A Wirral-based suicide prevention and support charity reveals that it helped a record number of people since the first lockdown began last March.
And it went on to prevent more than 1,500 deaths.
The Martin Gallier Project – which is the only suicide intervention, prevention and postvention service in the North West of England – was set up by founder and CEO Jesccia Gallier back in 2019 in memory of her 55-year-old father who took his own life in 2017.
The charity provides crisis support through immediate suicide interventions with no barriers to access or waiting lists, which thus reduces the need for clinical interventions and hospital admissions, and also aims to support family members bereaved by suicide – who are then at higher risk of suicide themselves – by providing an initial assessment to ensure the individual is not in suicidal crisis, as well as providing Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and a variety of skills-based workshops for individuals and groups.
But sadly, the charity says the number of those they have helped has more than tripled in past year.
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This has seen them unfortunately struggle to meet demand.
Speaking to ITV Granada, Jessica Gallier said: “We’ve really struggled to keep up with the numbers of people we’re seeing without creating a waiting list, and the last thing we ever want to do is have a waiting list for somebody that is considering suicide.”
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In order to aid in continuing to provide such vital help however, the charity has welcomed a National Lottery Grant of almost a quarter of a million pounds, which will enable it to expand its much-needed services and provide support for people like Penny – not her real name – who was planning on taking her own life in the weeks before Christmas.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJeOHVLDmRH/
Penny said: “I feel incredibly grateful, I can’t put into words how grateful I am because the way I feel about my life is completely different. The way I feel about my future is completely different – I have a future now and I’ve got things to look forward to,
“And I’ve never felt like that for as long as I can remember.”
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The grant means the centre has been able to open a new space for group work, activities and suicide intervention training.
“It’s not slowing down, it’s getting more, and those numbers are going up so quickly that there isn’t that time to stop and reflect on how many people we’re supporting,” Jessica added.
“If I even stop and do the calculations of 1,500 people since the end of February it just shows how important it is that we’re here, and how important it is that we’re here during this pandemic and how important it is that we’ve stayed open as well.”
You can find out more about The Martin Gallier Project via its website here, and you can also show your support on its social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
You can also text MGP to 70450 to donate £5.
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If you or anyone you know may be struggling right now, please know that you are never alone and there are 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 Mon – Fri 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 to 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.
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Inside the £1.65m iconic former orangery for sale in the grounds of a grand Lancashire park
Emily Sergeant
An iconic former orangery built for a renowned industrialist nestled in the grounds of a grand Lancashire park is currently on the market for £1.65m.
Now, we know this one is a little off patch for us… but honestly, it truly is a unique masterpiece worth hyping up.
Before we all get carried away though, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have the money to buy this house just sitting in our bank accounts, but if like us, you’ve love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This is The Orangery – set within the distinguished grounds of Lancashire’s Woodfold Hall, the property effortlessly blends heritage charm with refined modern living.
Located in the sought-after area of Mellor near Blackburn – which is ideally placed for being close by to a wide range of amenities, good local schooling options, and transport links to surrounding towns and cites, all while still enjoying easy access to nearby countryside – The Orangery is bathed in natural light and framed by elegant architectural detail, all offering a rare sense of calm and exclusivity.
Estate agents say this is a home that feels both ‘indulgent and inviting’, and is perfect for those who appreciate character and privacy… and a touch of grandeur, of course.
Built all the way back in 1820 as an orangery to Woodfold Hall for renowned cotton magnate and industrialist Henry Sudell, few homes currently on the market in the North West offer such architectural distinction as this.
This is The Orangery inside the grounds of Lancashire’s grand Woodfold Park / Credit: Fine & Country
This ‘remarkable’ home occupies a private, gated plot that extends to over two acres within one of the region’s most prestigious country estates, and is defined by its elegant stone elevations, soaring ceilings, dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, and countless other period features, all while having been tastefully updated by the current owners to make it fit for modern-day living.
Some of the property’s stand-out features include the striking curved reception hall, the open plan kitchen-diner bathed in natural light from three elevations, and several reception rooms with French doors leading out into the expansive gardens.
There are also five spacious bedrooms on the first floor – with the principal suite boasting bespoke built-in furniture and a dedicated dressing room.
But, it would be fair to say, it’s the outside where this home truly comes into its own.
While the interior is stunning, it’s the outside where this home truly comes into its own / Credit: Fine & Country
The gardens are nothing short of ‘enchanting’, according to estate agents – offering a mature landscape of manicured lawns, stone pathways and terraces, and trees, shrubs and floral boarders that wrap gracefully around the property.
The property also has a sweeping driveway that offers ample parking for multiple vehicles, and has access to a substantial garage.
As mentioned, The Orangery is on the market for £1.65 million with national estate agency label, Fine & Country, and if you’re keen to take a look around for yourself, then get in touch. Otherwise, you can just have a look around on Rightmove instead here.
Featured Image – Fine & Country
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Manchester Storm’s ‘own and loan’ scheme returns for 2026/27
Danny Jones
Manchester Storm have relaunched their much-loved ‘own and loan’ programme once again ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Having gone from a cult favourite option for die-hards to an increasingly popular choice among their growing number of supporters, it’s a great way for fans to get their hands on what could go on to be priceless collectables.
Set up over a decade and a half ago, the initiative has gone on to be replicated by multiple clubs in the Elite Ice Hockey League, across the country, and indeed beyond.
For anyone unclear on what exactly this scheme means for them, here’s all you need to know.
The own and loan sponsorship is essentially an opportunity not only to support the club and your favourite player, but to essentially reserve a valuable piece of match-worn memorabilia.
Put simply, fans can buy a squad member’s jersey and then loan it back to them for the season.
The shirt – be it home, away, created for cup tournaments or a special limited-edition sweater (of which MCR Storm have designed many over the years) – will then be worn throughout the course of the campaign before being given back to the owner, i.e. you.
Not just simply buying the shirt, but helping back the team’s talent, it’s one of the most direct ways people can contribute to the club.
The Greater Manchester side pioneered the push for this initiative here in the UK in the early 2010s, and with the local side now set to return to the AO Arena, where their journey began way back in 1995, you can expect plenty to mark the comeback with a special sponsored jersey.
Anyone who purchases an away strip will have their name featured throughout home games for the duration of the season – not a bad gift or way to secure a potential future collectors’ item.
You can see every player available to sponsor and find out all the information you need right HERE.
For regular matchgoers at the ‘Storm Shelter’, we’re sure it’ll be bittersweet to say goodbye to Planet Ice Altrincham, but just how excited are you about heading home to the AO Arena later this year?
Emily Sergeant -
11th January 2021 
