Social prescribing
Many things affect your health and wellbeing. You might be feeling isolated or lonely or you might be stressed out by work, money and housing problems. Sometimes it is the stress of managing different long-term conditions. That is where social prescribing comes in. It starts with a conversation. It might be the conversation you’ve just had with your GP. Or with another person in the practice team. They will refer you to a social prescribing link worker. The link worker is there to listen to you and put you in touch with the people and activities that might help you to feel better. Your link worker might introduce you to a community group, a new activity or a local club. Or they might help you find legal advice or debt counselling. To discuss this further, please speak to a member of the practice team.
Macmillan support
The Macmillan support line (0808 808 00 00) is open from 8am to 8pm, seven-days-a-week, for general information, emotional or financial support.
Did you know:
- Spotting cancer early increases the chances of survival.
- Diagnosing cancer before it has the chance to spread too far means that treatment is more likely to be successful.
You know your body best so speak to your doctor if something doesn’t seem right.
National screening programmes can help diagnose cancers at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Cancer screening is for those without symptoms, so if you’ve noticed a change, please don’t wait for screening – tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Whatever cancer throws your way, Macmillan is right there with you.
Every Mind Matters
Be kind to your mind!
There are small things we can all do to help be kind to your mind, and these can make a big difference to how we feel.
Get expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing and make them part of your daily routine.
Further information is available here.
Abuse
Bright Sky
Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship, or those concerned about someone they know.
Cover Your Tracks Online
If you are worried that someone may find out which websites you have visited, there are ways to cover your tracks online.
Saheli Asian Women’s Project
A specialist service in Manchester, dedicated to serving the particular needs that Asian women and their families face.
Silent Solutions Police
In an emergency call 999 for the police. If you cannot safely speak to the operator to ask for the police, stay on the line and the call will be forwarded to an operating system. Press 55 to be transferred to the local police force as an emergency.
- Silent Call Police: 999, wait, then 55
Manchester Women’s Aid
Manchester Women’s Aid provides services so that domestic abuse survivors can live a life free from the fear of domestic violence and abuse.
End The Fear
Anybody who is experiencing domestic or sexual violence can find help, support and advice here.
Bereavement
Childhood Bereavement Network
The Childhood Bereavement Network is the hub for those working with bereaved children, young people and their families across the UK. They underpin our members’ work with essential support and representation: bringing them together across localities, disciplines and sectors to improve bereavement care for children.
Website: www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Care
They offer support and help to those who are grieving, following the death of someone close. Such an event can affect us emotionally, physically, socially and in many practical areas of our life.
Telephone: 07377 710382
Website: www.cruse.org.uk/manchester
Email: manchester@cruse.org.uk
Winston’s Wish
Winston’s Wish supports bereaved children, young people, their families, and the professionals who support them.
Telephone: 08088 020 021
Website: www.winstonswish.org
Hope Again
Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Care. It is a safe place where you can learn from other young people, how to cope with grief, and feel less alone.
Telephone: 0808 808 1677
Website: www.hopeagain.org.uk
Email: hopeagain@cruse.org.uk
Carers
Talbolt House
Talbot House has been supporting the families of people with learning disabilities in Manchester since 1976.
Phone: 0161 203 4095
Website: www.talbot-house.org.uk
Email: admin@talbot-house.org.uk
Manchester Carers Centre
They deliver a range of free, high quality support services for unpaid carers in the city and a dedicated young adult carers service for 16 to 25 year old carers.
Phone: 0161 2727270
Website: www.manchestercarers.org.uk
Email: admin@manchestercarers.org.uk
Manchester Carers Forum
Regardless of whether you care for someone for just one hour per week or 24-hours per day, every day, Manchester Carers Forum is here to help. They can offer home visits if you would prefer to talk to someone face-to-face.
Telephone: 0161 819 2226
Website: www.manchestercarersforum.org.uk
Being There
Being There is a small charity with support services in Manchester and Trafford providing emotional support and home-based practical help to people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, along with those closest to them, such as family, friends and carers.
Telephone: 0845 123 23 29
Website: www.beingthere.org.uk
Free Needs Assessment
Needs assessments are for adults (18 years of age or over) who may need help because of a disability, ill health or old age. Anyone who appears to have a need for care or support can have a needs assessment, regardless of the ‘level’ of those needs or the person’s financial resources.
Manchester
Telephone: 0161 234 5001
Website: www.manchester.gov.uk
Trafford
Telephone: 0161 912 5199
Website: www.trafforddirectory.co.uk
Trafford Carers Centre
Trafford Carers Centre supports unpaid carers looking after someone who lives in the Trafford area, including help applying for a carer’s assessment by Trafford Council.
Telephone: 0161 848 2400
Website: www.traffordcarerscentre.org.uk
Young Carers
Lots of young people are carers without realising it – often for a family member such as a brother or sister, parent or an older relative. Sometimes it can be for a partner or friend who is ill, frail, has a disability, has a mental health concern or has a drug (or alcohol) addiction.
Website: www.manchester.gov.uk/social-services/carers/young-carers
Child health
Rashes in babies and children
Many things can cause a rash in babies and children, and they’re often nothing to worry about. The NHS provide support for identifying some of the common rashes in babies and children.
Website: www.nhs.uk/symptoms/rashes-babies-and-children
NHS vaccinations and when to have them
It’s important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection. Check the dates your child needs to have their vaccinations by and contact your GP.
Website: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them
Start for Life
Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Website: www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life
Child Fun
Fun, engaging and exciting health and hygiene themed activities. All activities are available at no cost and are free.
Website: www.childfun.com/themes/people/health-and-hygiene
Drugs and alcohol
Drinkaware
Digital tools to help you assess, track and set goals to reduce your drinking.
Website: www.drinkaware.co.uk/tools
Drinkline
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline, in complete confidence.
Telephone: 0300 123 1110
Talk to Frank
If you have a problem with drugs, you can Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs advice.
Telephone: 0300 123 6600
Text: 82111
Website: www.talktofrank.com
Email: frank@talktofrank.com
NHS Drink Free Days
Drink Free Days is for people who like a drink but want some support in tracking and cutting down on the booze as well as better understanding the risks.
Google Play Store: Download NHS Drink Free Days on the Google Play Store
Apple App Store: Download NHS Drink Free Days on the Apple App Store
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Telephone: 0800 9177 650
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
Email: help@aamail.org
Change Grow Live – Manchester
Change Grow Live are here to support you. They work with adults, young people and anyone looking to live a happier and healthier life.
Website: www.changegrowlive.org/service/manchester-drug-alcohol
Adfam
Adfam is the national charity working to improve life for families affected by drugs or alcohol. They want anyone affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use to have the chance to benefit from healthy relationships, be part of a loving and supportive family and enjoy mental and physical wellbeing.
Website: https://adfam.org.uk/
Back on Track
A Manchester charity that runs a learning centre in Manchester’s Northern Quarter for people who are going through a process of recovery or rehabilitation, having been through problems with alcohol or drugs, offending, homelessness and mental health.
Website: www.backontrackmanchester.org.uk/
Elderly care
Age UK Manchester
Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. They believe in a world where everyone can love later life and we work every day to achieve this.
Telephone: 0161 833 3944
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/manchester/
Dementia UK
Dementia UK offers specialist one to one support and expert advice for people living with dementia.
Telephone: 0800 888 6678
Website: www.dementiauk.org
Email: helpline@dementiauk.org
The Silver Line
Free phone support for older people, 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 0800 470 80 90
Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk/
Dementia Research
Join other people trying to help and find out more about dementia.
Website: www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/content/howitworks
Homelessness
Centrepoint
Daily housing support for young people aged 16 to 25. Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 12:30pm and 13:30pm to 16:30pm (except Wednesday afternoon).
Telephone: 0161 228 7654
Website: www.centrepoint.org.uk
Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH)
Women only. MASH offers free support for women who sex work or women who are at risk of sex working. You do not need an appointment and can pop in whenever the drop-in is open.
Telephone: 0800 183 0499 or 0161 273 4555
Website: www.mash.org.uk
Lifeshare
Offering breakfast, showers, toiletries and clothing.
Telephone: 0161 235 0744
Website: www.lifeshare.org.uk
Mustard Tree
Monthly (£10) clothing and footwear allowance for people sleeping rough.
Telephone: 0161 228 7331
Website: www.mustardtree.org.uk
The Men’s Room
Men Only. Day support, advice and advocacy for young men 18 to 30 years old.
Telephone: 0161 834 1827
Website: www.mroom.co.uk
Maternity
Tommy’s
Tommy’s provides information and support to empower parents during pregnancy.
Website: www.tommys.org
Start for Life
Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
Website: www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life
Baby Buddy: Pregnancy and parent
Baby Buddy is an award winning mobile phone app for new parents and parents-to-be, created by mums, doctors and midwives.
Google Play Store: Download Baby Buddy on the Google Play Store
Apple App Store: Download Baby Buddy on the Apple App Store
MAMA Academy
MAMA Academy’s mission is to empower all maternity professionals and expectant parents on stillbirth prevention methods to help more babies arrive safely.
Telephone: 07427 851670
Website: www.mamaacademy.org.uk
Email: contact@mamaacademy.org.uk
NHS Pregnancy
This guide includes all you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy, labour and birth.
Website: www.nhs.uk/pregnancy
HRT and alternatives
Information for women, their partners and families about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the alternatives for treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Website: www.rcog.org.uk
ICON – Infant Crying and How to Cope
The Manchester ICON webpage has information on infant crying, safe sleeping, the health visiting service and Infant feeding team.
Website: www.manchesterlco.org/icon/
Menopause Matters
An independent website providing up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options. Here you will find information on what happens leading up to, during and after the menopause, what the consequences can be, what you can do to help and what treatments are available.
Website: www.menopausematters.co.uk
Pregnancy testing
Pregnancy testing kits can be bought at pharmacies and supermarkets or can be done for free at a sexual health clinic. GP surgeries do not offer a pregnancy testing service.
Website: www.fresh4manchester.nhs.uk
Unplanned pregnancy options
Find out where you can go for help and advice if you’re pregnant and not sure you want to continue with the pregnancy. This includes information about getting an abortion (also known as a termination of pregnancy).
Sexwise: www.sexwise.fpa.org.uk/unplanned-pregnancy
FRESH (Manchester): www.fresh4manchester.nhs.uk/pregnancy-options
Manchester University Antenatal Care
If you have had a positive pregnancy test, it is recommended that you access maternity care as soon as possible via your GP or community midwife, who will complete the necessary referral into maternity services.
Website: www.mft.nhs.uk/antenatal-care
Mental health
NHS Mental health
Find information and support for your mental health.
Website: www.nhs.uk/mental-health
Kooth
Free anonymous online chat for young people to discuss their mental health issues.
Website: www.kooth.com
Samaritans
Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. Call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Telephone: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness provide expert, accredited advice and information to everyone affected by mental health problems.
Telephone: 0121 522 7007
Website: www.rethink.org
Email: info@rethink.org
Mind
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Telephone: 0300 123 3393
Website: www.mind.org.uk
42nd Street
42nd Street is an innovative Greater Manchester young people’s mental health charity with 38 years’ experience of providing free and confidential services to young people who are experiencing difficulties with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Telephone: 0161 228 7321
Website: www.42ndstreet.org.uk
Email: theteam@42ndstreet.org.uk
Living Life To The Full
Living Life To The Full is one of the most used resources for improving feelings, beating stress and boosting ability to live well. We want as many people as possible from across Greater Manchester to also enjoy these benefits.
Website: www.gmhealthhub.org
Self Help
Self Help provide a range of support, services and opportunities, across the North West of England, for people living with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, phobias and panic attacks.
Telephone: 0161 226 3871
Website: www.thebiglifegroup.com/self-help
Email: pws.manchester@selfhelpservices.org.uk
Young Minds
Young Minds are the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health.
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
Moodswings
The work of the charity is based on a belief that people can recover from severe mood problems and move on to lead happier and fuller lives. From its centre in Manchester, Moodswings reaches out across the north west and beyond with a message of real hope and optimism for individuals and their families and friends.
Website: www.moodswings.org.uk
Shining a Light on Suicide
They want to support you if you are bereaved by suicide or concerned that someone you know may be thinking of suicide.
Website: shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
Urdu and Punjabi helpline
A dedicated, confidential service in Urdu or Punjabi provided as part of the Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline for anyone experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse.
Urdu/Punjabi Helpline: 0161 636 7525
Website: www.domesticabusehelpline.co.uk/our-services/community-helpline-language-service/
Be Well (The Big Life Group)
Life in the way of healthy living? Be Well is here to help you find a way to live and feel well whatever twists and turns life brings. They can even help you get on top of work, housing, family and money worries.
Telephone: 0161 470 7120
Website: www.thebiglifegroup.com
Counselling Directory
A nationwide database of private qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.
Website: www.counselling-directory.org.uk
Self Help Free Counselling
If you are affected by relationship issues, family problems or abuse issues, this service gives you the opportunity to see a counselling practitioner to discuss these matters in more details and help improve your situation.
Website: www.selfhelpservices.org.uk
Sexual health
Brook
Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
Website: www.brook.org.uk
Sexual Health Helpline
The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England.
Telephone: 0300 123 7123
Family Planning Association
A sexual health charity, the Family Planning Association gives straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
Telephone: 020 7608 5240
Website: www.fpa.org.uk
Contraception Guides
Here are some online guides to contraception options.
FRESH: www.fresh4manchester.nhs.uk/contraception-methods
Sexwise: www.sexwise.fpa.org.uk/contraception
Brook: www.brook.org.uk/contraception
The Proud Trust (LGBT+)
The Proud Trust is the home for LGBT+ Youth (Lesbian. Gay. Bisexual. Trans. Other identities).
Website: www.theproudtrust.org
The Northern Contraception, Sexual Health and HIV Service
The services are provided across North, Central and South Manchester, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford, offering you a free, confidential and friendly service.
Website: www.thenorthernsexualhealth.co.uk
MASH: Manchester on Street Health
MASH is a charity that provides free and confidential support for women who are sex working in Greater Manchester.
Telephone: 0800 1830 499
Website: www.mash.org.uk
Email: helenc@mash.org.uk
Sexwise
Sexwise are here to give you honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.
Website: www.sexwise.fpa.org.uk/
Stop smoking
NHS Quit smoking
Quitting is much easier when you get the right support and there are lots of options to choose from.
Website: www.nhs.uk/better-health-quit-smoking
Greater Manchester Health Hub
Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health.
Website: www.gmhealthhub.org/smoking
Stop Smoking Manchester
Smoking contributes up to one in ten deaths every year worldwide, a figure which easily eclipses the combined number of deaths caused by terrorism, vehicle accidents, alcohol-related diseases, firearms-related fatalities, hunger and drug use.
Telephone: 070 3167 0366
Website: www.stopsmokingmanchester.co.uk
Email: info@stopsmokingmanchester.co.uk
Weight management
Slimming World
You’ll find delicious recipe and menu ideas at your local group, along with all the help you need to get started and reach your target weight.
Website: www.slimmingworld.co.uk
Weight Watchers
Meetings, online or a little bit of both. They’ve got options and support, whatever your lifestyle.
Website: www.weightwatchers.com
More Life
At MoreLife, they are passionate about supporting individuals and communities to lead healthier lives. They’ve been successfully delivering weight management programmes for over 20 years.
Website:
ABL Health
ABL Health are commissioned by Manchester City Council to offer free weight management programmes.
Telephone: 01204 570999
Website: www.ablhealth.co.uk
Email: admin@ablhealth.co.uk
How to Lower Blood Pressure
Your diet, exercise levels and weight have a real effect on your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you can start lowering blood pressure today by eating more healthily and being more active.
Website: www.bloodpressureuk.org
NHS Couch to 5k
Find out more and download the nine-week set of Couch to 5K podcasts.
Website: www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-witth-couch-to-5k
