Health column: Greater Manchester’s fifth Month of Hope aims to start open conversations
This week’s health column comes from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and looks at suicide prevention.
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) is proud to support Greater Manchester’s fifth Month of Hope delivered as part of the Shining a Light on Suicide Campaign.
The month begins on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and runs to World Mental Health Day (October 10) and is focussed on encouraging open conversations about suicide and instilling hope across the city region.
There are many ways to get involved, including online training, webinars and events taking place right across Greater Manchester.
Learn to save a life
Free 30-minute online training from the Zero Suicide Alliance. This training helps people feel more confident talking to people about suicide – it really could save a life.
There are also tailored modules available for veterans, university students, autistic people.
Support for people affected
If you have lost someone to suicide, the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service is there to listen and help you find the right support.
It’s a confidential service with dedicated suicide bereavement practitioners, who are there for you no matter how long it’s been.
They’re open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Call 0161 983 0902. You can also visit their website for bereavement support in Wigan at www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk.
Need urgent help for your mental health
Call 111 and select the mental health option. Available 24/7, you’ll speak to a mental health professional who can help you find the right support.
If you or someone else have physically harmed themselves, or if their life is at risk, then you should call 999 or go to A&E.
Memory walks, vigils and events
There are also several events taking place this month, including memory walks and vigils of remembrance which offer the opportunity to come together as a community, remember those lost to suicide and provide support for the bereaved.
Runners inspired by suicide prevention took part in the Wigan 10k
A team of runners from Wigan’s suicide prevention group competed in the Wigan 10k on Sunday, September 6 to raise vital money and awareness for two suicide support charities.
The 40-strong team included GMMH’s suicide prevention lead Lisa Sadiford, colleagues from GMMH’s Wigan mental health service, Wigan Council’s public health staff and community partners from SWAN Primary Care Network, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and addiction support charity We Are With You.
The goal was to raise more than £1,000 for Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and Samaritans.
Lisa said: “Having been bereaved by suicide myself, I understand the devastating and life-long impact that suicide has on families, friends and communities.
“This run is dedicated to the memory of everyone we have lost, to standing in solidarity with those who are bereaved by suicide and to demonstrating that through compassion, collaboration and strong partnership working, we can build hope, strengthen our communities and work together towards reducing suicide in Wigan borough.”
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/team/wiganph10k, with all money raised split evenly between SOBS and Samaritans.
For more events happening across Greater Manchester, please visit Greater Manchester's Month of Hope 2026 | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership