Not only is it the season of blue fingers and toes, many people also “feel blue” during winter. 

One in four of us will experience a mental health issue each year in England. Mild to moderate anxiety and depression are common, with typical symptoms including low mood, lack of motivation, tearfulness, feeling worried, change in appetite or weight, lack of energy, disturbed sleep patterns and avoiding social situations.  It’s important to seek early help before the issues become worse.

Whatever issues you’re experiencing, our services and partners are here to help: this winter and beyond.

Contact our 24/7 crisis mental health helpline on 0800 014 9995.

Click here for details of external helplines, which can help with a range of issues.

In an emergency, phone 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.

 

For everyone:

If you're over 18:

  • Healthy Minds: support for people experiencing mild to moderate common mental health problems. Our Silver Cloud self-help programme has little to no waiting times and you can instantly access support and materials that have been proven to work
  • Military veterans’ services: support for British ex-serving personnel experiencing mental health difficulties, related to their time and experiences in the armed forces. 
  • Re-engage (external charity): provides free support to people over 75 who are lonely or isolated. This can include a regular call from one of their companions, tea parties, activity sessions and more
  • Age UK (external charity): wide range of support, advice and care for older people; supporting them to remain active, independent and avoid being isolated
  • Early attachment services (parent-infant mental health in Bury, Oldham, the Rochdale borough and Tameside and Glossop): support for parents during pregnancy and parents and babies up until their second birthday

Children and young people:

  • School-based mental health support: support for children aged 4 to 18, who are experiencing low level emotional and behavioural difficulties. Visit our CAMHS webpage or speak to a teacher or the school mental health lead for more information about support at your school.
  • #Thrive (Rochdale borough only): support for children and teenagers experiencing emotional health and wellbeing issues. You must live or be registered with a GP practice in Heywood, Middleton or Rochdale. The team can also support and advise parents, carers and anyone who works with a child or young person
  • Community eating disorders service: care and support for children and young people with an eating disorder. Support is also available to families, carers, and those who work with, or support, a child or young person
  • Early attachment service (parent-infant mental health in Bury, Oldham, the Rochdale borough and Tameside and Glossop): support for parents during pregnancy and for parents and babies up until their second birthday
  • External resources: apps, videos, guides and websites to support with a range of issues and conditions