Residents are encouraged to have open conversations about mental health as part of the Greater Manchester Month of Hope.
The Month of Hope is about raising awareness of mental health and suicide. It runs from World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September until World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
Organisations across Greater Manchester are joining together to spread hope, including Trafford Council, NHS Trafford ICP and Greater Manchester Mental Health.
Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health and Care, said:
“Sadly, suicide can seem the only option for people weighed down by mental health struggles, bereavement, abuse or financial burdens. They can feel like there is no-one to turn to for comfort or support. That isn’t the case. There is a network of support available where you can find the help you need.
“We’re also there for friends and relatives of those are struggling. It can be so difficult to start a conversation but there are sessions available for you to learn to spot the warning signs and find ways to reach out.
“Together, we can prevent suicide.”
What’s On in Trafford?
Age UK Trafford’s Older People’s Day
A marketplace with information stands on the services we offer as well as some of our partner organisations. A light lunch, a guest speaker and entertainment will be provided. Monday 2 October, from 11am. The Sharples Building, 1-3 Church Road, Urmston, M41 9EH
Write a message
BlueSci, a mental health and wellbeing organisation, is offering the opportunity for people to write a message to a loved one, who passed due to suicide. They can place the message outside on the cherry tree outside Coppice Library and Wellbeing Centre which will be decorated. At Coppice Library and Wellbeing Centre, Coppice Avenue, Sale
Month of Hope Support
Trafford Carers Centre is hosting a number of events for registered carers, including health checks, emotional support, befriending and counselling. The events take place throughout the month at Trafford Carers Centre, Sale.
An introduction to Qwell.io
This webinar shows how to access free anonymous, professional support online. Qwelll is a free, safe, and anonymous online mental health support, and counselling services for adults. The webinar is from 11am on Friday 22 September. Book your place through Eventbrite.
Kaleidoscope Recovery Tools Specials
This session by GMMH is open to the recovery community, the community, carers, etc. There will be discussions on recovery tools and what tools are a benefit to those who attend. No need to book – just drop in. Tuesday 26 September, 10 am to 11am at Achieve Trafford, 454 Chester Rd, M16 9HD.
'What Next' in Recovery?
This event by GMMH is a drop-in where people can attend for 10-15 minutes to discuss what’s next in their recovery. This could be discussing volunteering opportunities, activities within the local community, education, training and employment opportunities that they are interested in and so on. No need to book. Tuesay 19 and Tuesday 26 September, 11am to 12noon at Achieve Trafford, 454 Chester Rd, M16 9HD.
Messages of hope Butterflies Project
Throughout the month of hope Beyond Barriers is asking people to make origami butterflies, each containing a personal message of hope, courage or compassion. Butterfly kits will be left across centres in Trafford. For more details visit the Beyond Barriers website.
GM Words of Hope poetry event
A free annual poetry evening for all those affected by suicide, organised by NHS Greater Manchester ICP. Includes refreshments. Apply via eventbrite. Thursday 5 October 7pm to 9pm at Stretford Public Hall.
What’s on in Greater Manchester
GM Day Virtual Event
Organised by NHS GM ICP, the theme is, ‘Creating Hope Through Action’. The online event has guest speakers to inspire and motivate us all to do what we can to prevent suicide. Apply via eventbrite. Friday 8 September 10am to 12noon.
20-minute Suicide Awareness Training
Zero Suicide Alliance is offering free online training to give you the skills you need to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. Take the training on the Zero Suicide alliance website.
Veterans 30-minute Suicide Awareness Training
Zero Suicide Alliance is offering training for Veterans, their family members, and friends. The aim of this training is to provide you with practice in handling difficult situations where a person may be at risk of suicide. Developed with Help for Heroes. Take the training on the Zero Suicide Alliance website.
More information
Greater Manchester events are also available at https://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/event/greater-manchesters-month-of-hope/. This site also offers links for people to find the right support.
If you have suicidal thoughts and want to speak to someone, please call Samaritans on 116123 or text Shout to 85258.
Posted on Friday 8th September 2023