Help in a Crisis
Find urgent mental health support
This information is for those in crisis and in need of urgent support. It includes details on services both internal and external to the university.
If you are feeling very distressed and the pressures upon you seem overwhelming, you may start to experience a sense that things cannot get better. People do sometimes experience thoughts that life is not worth living and can think about – or start to consider- self-harm and suicide. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, you can find information and links to support through the charity Papyrus. If you're concerned you may not be able to keep yourself safe, please seek immediate help - there will be a way that things can get better. You may also need of immediate help if you are having other thoughts that seem frightening or that may put you or someone else at risk.
You can access support and urgent advice in a range of different ways, including:
Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments across the UK have dedicated Mental Health Liaison Teams ready to support people in mental health crisis whose lives are at immediate risk. It can feel daunting going to A&E but the mental health staff there will give you time to talk through your difficulties and will aim to find a plan that works for you. Don't hesitate to call emergency services (999) or attend A&E if you feel unable to keep yourself safe. Find a hospital (www.nhs.uk)
In cases where need is not immediate but you wish to access rapid support, you can speak to your GP: Find a GP - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- For urgent help on campus, contact University Security by calling 0161 306 9966
- Alternatively, use your ‘SAFEZONE’ app which will alert security to an emergency or the need for first aid support.
- Mental Health Support Service (Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm). This service is not an urgent care or crisis service, but we are here to help. If you are in crisis but feel able to keep yourself safe, please call 0161 2752864 or contact our Duty Practitioners by emailing MHSTDutyPractitioner@manchester.ac.uk. Duty staff will get back to you as soon as possible to provide support and advice on next steps.
- If you need help while staying in university halls of residence, please contact your Residential Life team. You'll find information including out-of-hours support within halls under the heading Accommodation Advisors: Contact us on our web pages.
If you are feeling very low, distressed and/or are experiencing suicidal thoughts and you need to talk to someone out of hours, you can call any of the following services:
- Spectrum.Life 24/7 Helpline: Freephone: 0800 031 8227, International: 00353 1 518 0277
WhatsApp: Text ‘Hi’ to 074 1836 0780 or download the Spectrum.Life app (App Store) or Google Play. Organisation Code is UOMWELL. - PAPYRUS Hopeline UK (9am until midnight) Freephone: 0800 068 4141 Website: https://papyrus-uk.org/
- Samaritans 24/7 Helpline Freephone: 116 123 Online: www.samaritans.org
- NHS Urgent Mental Health Support Helpline: 111 Online: 111.nhs.uk Please note that 111 online only works in England.
The Recovery Lounge in Manchester
The Recovery Lounge is a free service in the city centre located on Cross Keys Street (M4 FFY) that offers in-person and over-the-phone support to anyone living in Manchester or under a Manchester GP who's in need of practical and emotional support, signposting, and/or distraction techniques during mental health crisis.
Contact details
The Recovery Lounge is staffed by recovery workers and peer support workers every day from 4pm-11pm and is open seven days a week.
Phone: 0161 238 5249
Crisis Café at No.93
An out-of-hours friendly and supportive community space open to anyone from Manchester, Bolton, Salford or Trafford who is experiencing a mental health crisis. Our aim is to offer support and advice from qualified Mental Health Practitioners in a relaxed and comfortable environment, avoiding long waits in Emergency Departments. gmmh.nhs.uk
Contact details
No. 93 Harpurhey Wellbeing Centre
93 Church Lane
Manchester M9 5BG gmmh.nhs.uk
Email: GMMHCrisisCafe@gmmh.nhs.uk
Phone: 0161 271 0339 or 07778 012 838
Opening times
Monday to Friday: 6.30pm to 1am (including Bank Holidays)
Saturday and Sunday: 2pm to 1am
Please phone ahead before dropping in. gmmh.nhs.uk
BlueSci at Night in Trafford
BlueSci at Night offers a friendly and supportive community alternative to traditional crisis services. BlueSci at Night provides support when you are in emotional distress, coping strategies that prevent crisis reoccurring and help you take steps toward building the life you want.
Contact details
The service is open to residents of Trafford and can be found at:
BlueSci at Night,
Old Trafford Resource Centre
54-56 Seymour Grove
Manchester, M16 0LN.
To attend the crisis cafe call or text on 07933 882743
For more information contact them on: 07933 882743 or visit crisiscafe@bluesci.org.uk
Opening times
Monday to Sunday, 5:30pm to 12:30am (last entry midnight)