Bury marks culmination of the Month of Hope

Mental health support organisations in Bury are marking the end of a month of activities for Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope.

Beginning on World Suicide Prevention day on 10 September, and culminating on World Mental Health day on 10 October, the Month of Hope has been about raising awareness of suicide as well as encouraging people to be open about their mental health and well-being.

Events in Bury have included:

• The “walk of hope” through Burrs County Park on 3 October, which included arts activities and the opportunity to have open conversations about mental health.
• A weekly Bereaved by Suicide peer support group offered through local charity The Big Fandango
• Motivation workshops at mental health charity The Creative Living Centre, including face to face appointments and small socially distanced support groups.
• Bury Adult Learning Centre delivered mindfulness, art and baking courses to reduce anxiety and stress
• Weekly chill zones and games night sessions through local support group Rammymen

Councillor Debbie Quinn, deputy cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Sunday is the end of Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope campaign, but it is not the end of the story.

“During the Month of Hope it has been wonderful to see services coming together to have a coordinated focus on emotional wellbeing, encouraging people to seek support and reach out when they need to. Help is always there.

“If you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to, there is a lot of support available locally.

“Our Getting Help Line is available six days a week for people from Bury of all ages. If you feel you need some advice, guidance or support, get in touch and the team will help to connect you with the best local services to meet your needs. Whether you are a young person or an adult, support is also available online and by text.”

• If you need support in Bury, contact Bury’s Getting Help Line for confidential support to all ages. Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm, you can call 0161 464 3679. More information here: https://theburydirectory.co.uk/wellbeinghub
• If someone needs help, Samaritans volunteers are always there, whatever you are going through, people can call for free on 116 123, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: https://www.samaritans.org/.
• You can also text Shout on 85258 who are a free 24/7 mental health text support line, more information is on the website https://giveusashout.org/
• In addition, the Greater Manchester ‘Shining A Light on Suicide’ campaign provides advice and resources for anyone feeling suicidal, support if you are concerned about someone and bereavement support. More information is on the website https://www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/home/
• If you’re bereaved by suicide, Greater Manchester Bereavement Service is available to support anyone bereaved or affected by suicide. It is a confidential information phone and email service. Visit the website for more information https://greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk/

ENDS

Press release issued: 8 October 2021.