Mental Health Services

Manchester Mental Health Services

Adjusting to a new environment can be both exciting and challenging, and taking care of your mental health is crucial during this transition. Manchester offers a wide range of mental health services to support newcomers from Africa, ensuring that you have access to the necessary resources to maintain your well-being. From crisis hotlines to support groups and therapy services, Manchester’s mental health infrastructure is designed to cater to diverse needs. Here’s an overview of key services available in the city:

Crisis Hotline Information

In times of immediate distress, it’s vital to have access to emergency support.

• Samaritans: A 24/7 helpline offering emotional support for anyone experiencing distress or despair. You can reach them at 116 123 or visit their website: Samaritans.
• Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust: offers a 24/7 crisis line for people experiencing a mental health crisis. The number is 0800 953 0285, and more information can be found here: GMMH Crisis Line.

Counselling and Therapy Services

Manchester provides various counselling and therapy services, catering to different needs and preferences:

• Talking Therapies: The NHS in Manchester offers free talking therapies for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Services are provided by self-help services and can be accessed through a GP referral or self-referral.
• Manchester Mind: A local mental health charity that offers counselling and therapy services on a sliding scale, making it accessible to people on different incomes. Visit their website for more details: Manchester Mind.

Support Groups and Meetings

Support groups can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.

• Anxiety UK offers a range of support groups and resources for people experiencing anxiety. You can find information on local support groups in Manchester on their website: Anxiety UK.
• Mind Manchester Peer Support: Provides peer support groups where individuals can share experiences and support one another. More information can be found at Mind in Greater Manchester.

Psychiatric Medical Services

For more severe mental health conditions requiring medical intervention, Manchester offers psychiatric services:

• Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) offers a wide range of psychiatric services, including assessments, treatment, and inpatient care for mental health conditions. You can learn more about their services here: GMMH Services.
• Manchester Royal Infirmary provides specialised psychiatric care and is equipped to handle urgent mental health situations. Visit Manchester Royal Infirmary for more information.

Mental Health Awareness Campaigns

Manchester actively promotes mental health awareness through various campaigns:

• Time to Change: An initiative aimed at ending mental health stigma, offering resources and information on mental health. Visit their site for more details: Time to Change.
• Heads Up Manchester: A citywide campaign to raise awareness about mental health issues, offering support and guidance. Learn more at Heads Up Manchester.

Stress Management Workshops

Managing stress is essential for mental well-being, especially when adapting to a new environment.

• Manchester Stress Institute: Offers stress management workshops, courses, and one-on-one coaching to help individuals develop effective coping strategies. Visit their website for more details: Manchester Stress Institute.
• NHS Wellbeing Workshops: The NHS provides free stress management and mindfulness workshops. These can be accessed through local NHS services or by referral from your GP. Check NHS Manchester for availability.

Addiction Recovery Programmes

For those dealing with addiction, Manchester provides several recovery programmes:

• Addiction Dependency Solutions (ADS): Offers support and treatment for individuals struggling with substance misuse. They provide both one-on-one and group therapy options. More information is available at ADS Manchester.
• Change Grow Live (CGL): Provides a range of addiction recovery services, including drug and alcohol treatment programmes. Visit Change Grow Live Manchester for more details.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Supporting the mental health of children and adolescents is vital for their development.

• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services): Offers specialist mental health services for children and young people experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties. Access their services through a GP referral or visit CAMHS Manchester for more information.
• 42nd Street: A charity supporting young people aged 11-25 with mental health issues through counselling, therapy, and group work. Learn more at 42nd Street.

By understanding and utilising these mental health services, newcomers from Africa can find the support they need to navigate the challenges of settling into a new environment. Whether you need immediate crisis support, ongoing therapy, or specialised services for children and adolescents, Manchester offers comprehensive mental health resources to ensure your well-being and help you thrive in your new community.

What to Look Out For

As a newly relocated African in Manchester, here’s what to look out for in mental health services:

1. NHS Mental Health Services: Access free mental health support through the NHS. You can speak to your GP for referrals to counselling, therapy, or specialised mental health services.
2. Community Support: Look for local community organisations and charities that offer culturally sensitive mental health support, including services tailored to African and Black communities.
3. Counselling Services: Explore free or low-cost counselling options through local charities, community centres, and universities, which may offer sessions with professional counsellors.
4. Emergency Support: Familiarise yourself with crisis support services, such as the NHS mental health helpline, Samaritans, and local crisis teams, for urgent mental health concerns.
5. Language Support: Seek services that provide language support or multilingual therapists if you prefer to discuss mental health in a language you are more comfortable with.
6. Support Groups: Join mental health support groups, both in-person and online, where you can share experiences and receive support from others in similar situations.
7. Wellbeing Activities: Engage in library and community centre activities, such as mindfulness workshops, exercise classes, and creative arts, which support mental wellbeing.
8. Cultural Sensitivity: Choose services that understand cultural differences in mental health and provide a supportive environment for discussing your unique experiences.

Accessing these services can help you maintain good mental health and build a supportive network in Manchester.