News

It’s World Mental Health Day – here’s how to check in and where to get help in Manchester

World Mental Health Day seeks to raise awareness and change the way people think and act about mental health problems.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 10th October 2024

Thursday 10 October is #WorldMentalHealthDay.

World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against what is sadly still seems to be a social stigma.

The day was first marked in 1992 when the World Federation for Mental Health – a global mental health organisation, with members and contacts in more than 150 countries – was initially set up, and now the chosen day in October sees thousands of supporters come together to celebrate the annual awareness programme and bring attention to mental illness and its the devastating effects in can have on people’s lives worldwide.

The aim of the international day is to change the way people think and act about mental health problems.

Recent studies by leading mental health charity MIND have revealed that more than half of adults (60%), and over two thirds of young people (68%), said their mental health deteriorated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during lockdown, and there has been a continued rise in people speaking out about struggling ever since.

ADVERTISEMENT

This why World Mental Health continues to be as important as ever.

Are you keen to reach out to someone, but aren’t so sure on how to start a conversation?

We know that talking about mental health is not always easy.

ADVERTISEMENT

But starting a conversation doesn’t have to be awkward, and being there for someone can make a huge difference.

Whilst it’s true that there is no right way to talk about mental health, and just the act of starting a conversation itself could have a significant impact on someone who needs it, that doesn’t mean we’re always confident approaching the subject, so we’ve rounded up five top tips to guide you and make sure you’re lending a hand in a helpful way. 

Check them out here.

ADVERTISEMENT
Thursday 10 October is World Mental Health Day / Credit: Dan Meyers (via Unpslash)

Are you struggling with your mental health?

If you or anyone you know is struggling right now, please know that you are never alone and that there are so many different places you can reach out to for support right here in Greater Manchester.

Suffering in silence never need be the way.

  • Manchester Mind – An organisation that has supported people in Manchester for over 30 years. Most services are now available over the phone, by email or video call. The number is 0161 769 5732 and the opening hours are Monday – Friday, 10am -2pm.
  • The GM Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust – The local NHS helpline is open 24/7 which you can call any time, day or night, if you feel your mental health is beginning to suffer: 0800 953 0285.
  • Andy’s Man Club – A group dedicated to starting conversations about mental health, assuring people that it’s ok to talk. You can contact them by email on: [email protected].
  • CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably supports people via phone and webchat. You can call 0800 58 58 58 or speak to a support worker online. Open 5pm – midnight.
  • Samaritans – The Manchester & Salford Samaritans offer emotional support by telephone and email. The phone lines and email support are available 24/7. Call 116 123 or visit the website.
Top 5 tips for starting conversations about mental health

The Manc Group is also here to help too.

There are real people behind our platforms, and our DMs are always open, so we encourage you to drop us a message should you ever need a chat, and we’ll be more than happy to help point you in the right direction towards the best help possible.

And remember, no matter how many times it may have been said before, it cannot be said enough – it’s okay not to be okay, and your emotions are always valid.

ADVERTISEMENT

We got this, Manchester.

Featured Image – Andrew Neel (via Pexels)

News

Government announces homebuying overhaul to fix country’s ‘broken’ housing system

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant New build houses

The Government has announced what it’s calling the biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history. 

In a bid to ‘rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership for thousands nationwide, the Government has today (Monday 6 October) unveiled proposals that it says will speed up the long-drawn out and costly process of buying a home by four weeks.

The Housing Secretary says this will not only save people money, but unnecessary stress too.

The proposed new plans would see sellers and estate agents required to provide buyers with ‘vital’ information about a property upfront – including the condition of the home, leasehold costs, and chains of people waiting to move.

It’s hoped this will help end any last-minute chain collapses and ultimately give greater confidence to first-time buyers when they’re making one of life’s most important decisions. 

Houses
The Government has announced plans to fix the country’s ‘broken’ housing system / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)

Binding contracts could also be introduced to stop people walking away from agreements after buyers painstakingly spend months in negotiations to hopefully halve the number of failed transactions.

The new reforms are also proposing that prospective buyers are provided with side-by-side information on estate agents and conveyancers, including their track record and expertise, alongside new mandatory qualifications and Code of Practice to drive up standards and work to rebuild trust in the industry.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to Twitter this morning to address the proposed new homebuying overhaul, commenting: “I promised that my Government would fix the broken housing system.

“Buying or selling a home will be faster, unlocking the dream of homeownership and allowing hardworking people to focus on the next chapter of their lives. That’s national renewal.”

Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, said buying a home should be ‘a dream, not a nightmare’.

He continued: “Our reforms will fix the broken system so hardworking people can focus on the next chapter of their lives. 

Read more:

“Through our Plan for Change, we are putting more money back into working people’s pockets and making a simple dream a simple reality.”

Featured Image – James Feaver (via Unsplash)

News

English rugby legend Lewis Moody reveals MND diagnosis

Danny Jones Danny Jones Lewis Moody diagnosed with MND

Much-loved English rugby legend Lewis Moody has revealed his heartbreaking MND (motor neuron disease) diagnosis.

The Leicester Tigers and Bath icon, who was captain of the Rugby World Cup-winning England squad back in 2003, unfortunately announced to the world that he is now suffering from MND, also known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Moody, 47, is just the latest well-known rugby player to have developed the progressive neurological disorder, with both former players and others being forced to retire due to the condition.

The Ascot-born rugby union veteran has admitted that the news has come as a ‘sudden shock’ to him and his family, but has been left moved by the overwhelming wave of positivity he has received since making the health update public.

Sharing a lengthy message online, Moody wrote: “I’m writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family.

“I feel fit and well in myself, and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes / will experience as they come.

“I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals, and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease.”

Notable ex-pros who have sadly passed away from the disease in recent years include Doddie Weir and, of course, Rob Burrow MBE.

There is currently no known cure for MND at present, but as Burrow’s best mate and inspirational teammate, Kevin Sinfield has famously, the belief is that this is because it remains “underfunded” and a breakthrough could still be found.

Speaking to BBC Sport with his long-term partner on Monday, 6 October, ‘Mad Dog Moody’ gave a very open and honest interview about the last few weeks, going from noticing some weakness in his shoulder at the gym to having now been given the tragic diagnosis.

Lewis’ statement continues: “Since retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I’ve been able to dedicate much of the past 12 years to fundraising for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumours.

“My plan is to continue with this, but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once l am clear on what this looks like.

“For now, please know I feel your love and support; all l ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.

Take Care, Lewis Moody.”

Read more:

Sharing a post of their own on social media this morning, the Red Roses wrote: “Everyone at England Rugby is saddened to learn that former captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

“All of our thoughts are with Lewis, his family and friends as they come to terms with this diagnosis. We will be offering both practical and emotional support, and know the entire rugby community will stand with them at this incredibly difficult time.

“We encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives now being set up and available through GoFundMe.”

Sending our strength and support to Lewis Moody, as well as his family, friends and fans; you can donate to his fundraiser down below.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Lewis Moody (via Instagram)/Land Rover MENA (via Flickr)

More News

GMP synagogue attack

Crime

Police granted extra time to question four people arrested over Manchester synagogue terror attack

Affiliate

Gig guide | Lady Gaga at Co-op Live – tickets, times, setlist and more for ‘The Mayhem Ball’

Crumpsall synagogue vigil Manchester terrorist attack

Bury

Vigil to be held in Manchester for victims of Crumpsall synagogue attack

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches