Voluntary Services
In Manchester there are a large number of Voluntary and Community Sector organisations (e.g. charities) that provide a wide range of services. Some of these are mental health specialists providing services like counselling and self-help groups. Others offer a wider range of services that can support good mental health, e.g. housing advice or social support and volunteering.
Voluntary services are independent from the NHS, so are an option if you are worried about seeing your GP for help. You are often able to contact these services yourself with no need for a ‘professional’ referral.
Useful Links
To find out what is available in your area, you can search the One Central Place online directory. Or you can download the Help! directory of mental health services available in Manchester 2010.
These links will also help you find information about specialist mental health support available for black and minority ethnic communities, carers, people with disabilities and people with drug and alcohol problems
Getting Help:
Some of those services that offer specific mental health support:
African and Caribbean Mental Health Services.
A local organisation working with and for African and Caribbean people. The primary care mental health team offers specialist support for common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, panic and phobias.
Age Concern Counselling Service
Offer a free and confidential service to older people and their carers living in Manchester. Help with problems such as bereavement, loneliness, sexual or marital difficulties or general fears and anxieties. Telephone: 0800 027 57 87
Self Help Services
Offer a range of services to support common mental health problems including guided self help clinics, computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (CCBT), structured courses and self help groups that offer a place to meet with people who have experience of your problem and share stories and coping strategies.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Provides counselling, support, information and advice to anyone bereaved by death.
Helpline: 0844 477 9400
Manchester office: 0161 236 8103
Pakistani Resource Centre
Counselling, emotional and practical support to Asian individuals experiencing mental ill health, their carers and families.
0161 434 7800
Wai Yin-Kwan Wai Project
The Chinese mental health project offers support to people with a range of mental health difficulties including one to one support, advice and a drop in.
0161 833 0377
Crisis Point
Crisis Point is a mental health crisis support centre. It provides temporary accommodation (up to 10 nights), whilst people manage or resolve their crisis. They can also offer advice, information and one to one support & interventions for crisis management (6 sessions within a two week period) for people who are unable to use the accommodation service. Call (0161) 225 9500.
HARP
A range of services for people with mental health needs including advocacy, advice and information about welfare rights, housing and financial issues. Supported training opportunities at the Harp Café and Zion garden are also available. Call 0161 226 9907, Zion Centre, 339 Stretford Road, Hulme.
Hearing Voices Network
Offer information, support and understanding to people who hear voices and those who support them. General enquiries, 0114 271 8210.
Mood Swings Network
Free and confidential advice and support for people affected by mood disorders such as bi-polar disorder (manic depression), depression.
Helpline available: 0845 123 60 50
The Roby
Provide a range of services in Longsight and the surrounding areas including a range of groups, counselling a drop-in and volunteering opportunities.
0161 257 2653. 307 Dickenson Road, Longsight, M13 0NG.
Irish Community Care
Offer a range of services for the Irish and traveller communities in Manchester including specialist mental health support. 0161 205 9105. 289 Cheetham Hill Road, Cheetham Hill, M8 0SN.
The Lesbian Gay Foundation
Offer a variety of services to the LGBT community of Manchester. Includes a helpline and counselling service. Call 0161 235 8025