Self-harm help and support

On this page:

• Local self-harm and mental health support
• National self-harm and mental health support
• Guidance and information for parents

Local self-harm and mental health support

42nd Street (for young people 11 to 25 years)

42nd Street offers support for young people. Services are free and support is available for mental health issues including self-harm. They are based at The Space, 87-91 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester, M4 5AG.

For more information you can visit the 42nd Street website.

Greater Manchester Nightline (for university students across Manchester)

A confidential listening and information service run for students by students that offers anonymous, non-judgmental and non-directive support for all callers, regardless of the situation.

Their listening service can be accessed over the phone (the number is on the back of all student ID cards) and by email to nightmail@manchester.nightline.ac.uk.

For more information visit the Greater Manchester Nightline website.

Self-Help Services

Self-Help provide a range of support, services and opportunities, across the North West of England, for people living with mental health problems, including self-harm.

Services available include online CBT, telephone support, low-intensity CBT, and counseling.

Visit the Self-Help website for more information and to access services.

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary provides non-clinical, non-stigmatising support to adults (aged 18+) who are in crisis. The Sanctuary offers a space to talk and assistance with coping after the initial crisis.

You can find out more about The Sanctuary via the Self-Help website. People in crisis overnight (8pm to 6am) can call 0300 003 7029.

Crisis Point Manchester

Crisis Point is an open access mental health crisis centre which offers crisis management support, helping people with diverse needs to resolve their current crisis and develop plans to better manage future crises.

Anyone can refer including professionals, the person in crisis, carers, family and friends.

Call 0161 238 5149 to make a referral or visit the Crisis Point website for more information.

Manchester Mind

Providing mental health and well-being support for those living within the Manchester area, services include counselling, peer support and listening services as well as support around welfare benefits, housing and debt.

For further information, access to online resources, information about events and training in the community, visit the Manchester Mind website or call 0161 769 5732 to speak to a kind and welcoming member of the team.

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National self-harm and mental health support

Sift (formerly Self injury Support)

Sift’s listening services offer free, compassionate and confidential support over phone, text and email. Sift are here to help people of all ages, genders and backgrounds in the UK who may be experiencing emotional distress related to self-harm. When you reach out to Sift you will talk with one of their trained volunteers who are experienced in how to help people in your situation. They will listen to you, help you explore your story and feelings, and support you in any decisions you choose to make. You can also visit Sift’s website for access to their self-help resource library.

Helpline: 0808 800 8088
Text support: 07537 432 444
Opening times: Available Monday to Friday, check the website for opening times.

Prevention of young suicide (Papyrus)

HOPELine UK is a specialist telephone service staffed by trained professionals who give non-judgmental support, practical advice and information to children, teenagers and young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about how they are feeling, as well as anyone who is concerned about a young person.

Visit the Papyrus website, call 0800 068 41 41 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org for more information.

Opening hours are 10am-10pm (Monday to Friday), 2-10pm (weekends) and 2-5pm (bank holidays).

Samaritans

Call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK) to talk or email jo@samaritans.org. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Many local branches offer the opportunity to talk face-to-face. Find your local branch.

Harmless – Self-harm support

Harmless offer support, information, training and consultancy.

Access self-help, resources and advice for young people, and information for parents and carers, on the Harmless website.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58 to talk or access confidential, anonymous and free support and information for men in the UK.

The helpline is open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year.

Visit the CALM website

The Silver Line

The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing friendship and advice to older people.

Call anytime on 0800 470 80 80. The service is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Visit the Silver Line website

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Guidance and information for parents and carers

NHS Greater Manchester guide

This leaflet is for parents and carers who are concerned that their child may be self-harming. It attempts to explain what self-harm is and offers advice.

Self harm booklet – a guide for parents and carers (PDF)

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