People in Greater Manchester suffering from mental health issues this winter are urged to reach out for help and support from the NHS.
Winter can be a challenging time for many of us. Shorter days and longer nights can affect our mood, whilst colder weather often brings more coughs, colds, and flu. Add to that the financial and social expectations of the festive season, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or run down.
It’s so important to look after your mental health during these months, and to reach out for support if you need it.
Read on for some practical hints and tips to help you stay well this winter; alongside information about the range of support services available across Greater Manchester, including over bank holidays, evenings and weekends.
Top tips for winter wellbeing
Mental health clinicians at Greater Manchester Mental Health and Pennine Care NHS foundation trusts share their top tips to help you keep the winter blues at bay:
“As temperatures outside drop and darker nights (and mornings!) draw in, we can find ourselves struggling with motivation. Daily tasks and self-care may feel more of a chore than usual. Try to keep a routine – a regular sleep schedule and balanced nutrition can make a big difference to how you feel.
“If you can, get outside during daylight hours. Natural light helps regulate your body clock and can boost your mood. Simple mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or guided meditations can also help to reduce stress and improve emotional balance. You can do them pretty much anywhere and anytime, but if you struggle with sleep, they can be particularly beneficial to help you unwind before bed. You can find some really useful guides on the Every Mind Matters website.
“Planning ahead, for example batch-cooking your favourite meal to defrost later, or setting an alarm for a dedicated screen-free hour before bed, can make incorporating these activities into your day a little easier.”
Dr Jayne Taylor, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust (Pennine Care) added:
“Winter can feel isolating, particularly when darker evenings and cold weather make it tempting to withdraw from others. However, staying connected – even in small ways – is one of the most protective things we can do for our mental health.
“I’d encourage people to be intentional about maintaining contact with others, whether that’s a phone call, a message, or meeting for a walk. Physical activity and time outdoors, even in winter, can genuinely help our mood. And if you’re finding things difficult, please reach out for support – whether that’s to someone you trust or to professional services. Asking for support from others can make a real difference.”
For further information and resources to support your wellbeing this winter, visit Helpful information and feel well this winter resources. For self-help resources for mental health, visit: Self Help Resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available and always ring 999 in an Emergency
NHS 111 Mental Health
If you need urgent mental health support, for example if you feel mentally unsafe or severely distressed, you can quickly and easily access support by calling NHS 111 and select mental health option 2. It’s available for all ages, 24/7, free of charge and you can call for yourself or someone else.
NHS 111 is a national service, however, when you call NHS 111 and select mental health option 2, you’ll be connected to your local team. A trained mental health practitioner will listen and help you get the urgent support you need.
With your permission, the mental health practitioner can offer advice over the phone, and put you in contact with the best services to meet your needs.
You can also access NHS 111 Mental Health online at: https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-mental-health-symptoms.
Other helplines
These free helplines are there to help when you’re feeling down or desperate. Unless it says otherwise, they’re open 24 hours a day, every day.
You can also call these helplines for advice if you’re worried about someone else.
- Samaritans (for everyone) – Call 116 123
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Call 0800 58 58 58 – 5pm to midnight every day
- Papyrus (prevention of young suicide HOPELINE247) – Call 0800 068 41 41
- Childline (for children and young people under 19) – Call 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill
- SOS Silence of Suicide (for everyone) – Call 0300 1020 505 – 4pm to midnight every day.
- Mind – 0300 123 3393
- Mood Swings – 0161 832 3736
- Pensioner’s Link (Over 50’s) – 01942 261 753
- Rethink – 0300 5000 927
- SANEline – 0300 304 7000
- Silverline – 0800 470 8090
- Support Line – 01708 765 200
- The Mix (for people under 25) – 0808 808 4994
- The Old Courts Wigan – 01942 48901
- Age UK – 0800 678 1602
Community Spaces
Community spaces across Greater Manchester – sometimes known as ‘Crisis Cafés’ or ‘Listening Lounges’ – offer a safe, comfortable, and confidential environment for anyone over the age of 18, who is feeling low, anxious, struggling with negative thoughts, or just wants to talk to someone during evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Locations, opening times, and contact details for the community spaces in Trafford is:
- Bluesci at Night
Address: Old Trafford Wellbeing Centre, 54-56 Seymour Grove, Old Trafford, M16 0LN
Contact number: 07933 882743
Email: crisiscafe@bluesci.org.uk
Opening hours: Every day (365 days a year) 5.30pm to 12:30am
How to access: Walk in or telephone.
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