NHS Services
NHS services are divided into those that offer support and treatment for common mental health problems and those that offer support and treatment for serious mental illnesses. Common mental health problems are those that most people experience such as depression, anxiety, panic, sleep problems, obsessions and compulsions or phobias. Support for these problems is mainly provided by specialist workers in primary care (such as your GP surgery or health centre). Serious mental illnesses are much less common and include psychoses, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression and dementia. Support for these problems is mainly provided in secondary care (such as hospital services and specialist services in the community).
Primary care services for common problems…
Primary Care Mental Health Services offer short-term support to people who have common mental health problems such as anxiety and panic, phobias, depression, bereavement difficulties, obsessions and compulsions, stress-related problems and more. They are available to people aged 16 and over living in Manchester and registered with a Manchester GP.
A worker will assess your needs and, if appropriate, work with you to develop skills and strategies that will help you deal with your problem. They may also refer or “signpost” you on to other services that are more appropriate to your needs.
What do they offer?
The service offers “talking / psychological therapies” which include the following:
You can either visit your GP to discuss treatment options and a referral to this service, or you can contact the service yourself using the numbers below.
Primary Care Mental Health Services in:
North Manchester: 0161 231 0017
Central Manchester: 0161 861 2343
South Manchester: 0161 946 8260
Don't worry if you're not sure which area you fall under, use any of the numbers and they will assist you.
Secondary care services for serious problems
Conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression are considered to be the more serious mental health problems. If you are concerned that you, or someone you know, may be suffering from a severe mental health problem, you should see your GP in the first instance. They will consider whether to make a referral to a specialist mental health service where an assessment can be made by a psychiatrist, a psychologist or other specialist.
In Manchester, most of these services are provided for adults and older people by the Manchester Mental Health & Social Care Trust You can enquire about how to get the support and help you need by contacting 0161 255 8250.
Many services are on offer including;
- Hospital and specialist services that support you during a mental health crisis and offer continuing treatment when your crisis has stabilised.
- Community mental health teams that support you in the community
- Community living services that offer social, leisure and skills opportunities in the community such as arts, community centres, horticulture and training.
- Specialist services for older people.
It is very important to seek help early if you are concerned about yourself or someone else. Identifying that there is a problem and getting treatment early leads to better recovery and longer term outcome.
Many people will experience their first ‘psychotic episode’ between the ages of 14 and 35. If you notice that someone is experiencing persistent changes in mood and behaviour, is becoming isolated and not getting on with people, has strange thoughts, ideas or odd behaviour, or is using drugs or alcohol more, then these could be just some of the signs that they are experiencing difficulties. It is vital to act early. The Manchester Early Intervention Service offers assessment and treatment to young people in Manchester aged between 14 and 35. They can be contacted on 0161 277 6830.
You can download a directory of mental health services across Manchester here.