This year’s Month of Hope will once again shine a light on suicide prevention by encouraging open, honest conversations and tackling the stigma that can surround suicide and mental health, as we launch the 2026 Greater Manchester Suicide Prevention Strategy.
Running annually across Greater Manchester from 10 September (World Suicide Prevention Day) to 10 October (World Mental Health Day), the campaign brings people together to raise awareness, support one another, and promote meaningful conversations that can make a real difference.
Month of Hope is part of the Shining a Light on Suicide campaign, which aims to bring discussions about suicide out into the open and help create a greater understanding of suicide. The campaign continues to challenge the way suicide is talked about, reinforcing the message that everyone has a role to play in preventing it and supporting those who may be struggling.
One recent initiative encouraged taxi and private hire drivers across Greater Manchester to complete a free online training course, which takes just 10 minutes and helps people recognise the signs that someone may be in distress and know how to respond. With more than 18,500 licensed taxi and private hire drivers in the region having thousands of interactions with passengers every day, even a brief conversation has the potential to make a difference and, in some cases, help save a life.
Judd Skelton, Chair of Greater Manchester Suicide Prevention Programme Board, said:
“We lose more than 200 people a year to suicide across Greater Manchester, but research shows that talking honestly and openly about suicide can help save lives. Research tells us that talking about suicide doesn't put the idea in someone's mind, but can lead to a person feeling supported reducing their risk of taking their life. Just being there to listen and showing you care can help, but people often feel they lack the skills, knowledge, or confidence to talk about suicide. That’s why the Shining a Light on Suicide campaign, alongside Zero Suicide Alliance, is encouraging everyone to set aside just 30 minutes to take its free online training that will help you spot the signs that someone may be thinking of suicide and increase your confidence to talk to them about it.”
You can support the Month of Hope campaign by encouraging conversations, attending one of the events or sharing any Month of Hope social media posts – search using the hashtag #MonthOfHope. You can also access the free online training here. You can also find the new Suicide Prevention Strategy here
Events
To mark the Month of Hope, a number of events are happening across Greater Manchester, to raise awareness and instil hope. These include vigils of remembrance which offer the opportunity to come together as a community and remember those lost to suicide and provide support for the bereaved, along with both in person and virtual events to mark World Suicide Prevention Day 2026.
Greater Manchester Mental Health Horwich Hub Walk of Hope
Date and time: Tuesday 8 September 2026, 12pm – 2pm
Venue: Horwich Town Hall, BL6 7AQ
Join for a gentle 1.5 to 2-hour circular walk starting and finishing at Horwich Town Hall, taking in Liverpool Castle, Greater House Barn and Horwich Beach along mostly flat country trails.
Please note that some country paths may not be suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Feel free to bring a picnic, drinks and snacks. For more information, contact marc.lowden@gmmh.nhs.uk.
Month of Hope Opening Event
Date and time: Thursday 10 September 2026, 10am – 2pm
Venue: Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RU (Opposite Bolton Town Hall)
Meet local support organisations and access advice, guidance and signposting. The event will feature wellbeing conversations hosted by Manbassadors and the Samaritans. For more information, contact edward.kavanagh@bolton.gov.uk.
Bury Suicide Prevention Day Vigil
Date and time: Thursday 10 September 2026, 6pm – 7:30pm
Venue: Kay Gardens, Bury, BL9 0BL
This vigil will take place in memory of the lives lost to suicide.
The memory walk will start at 6pm from Kay Gardens and finish at the memorial stone in front of Castle Leisure Centre where flowers can be laid. For more information, contact info@thebigfandango.com.
Salford Candlelight Vigil
Date and time: Thursday 10 September 2026, 6pm – 7:30pm
Venue: Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Crescent, Salford, M5 4WU
There will be representatives from local suicide bereavement charities present to offer support.
The event will include contributions from speakers, local poets and music from local artists/choirs. It culminates in a flag parade, candle-lit vigil, and minute silence. It is an evening of reflection, celebration and remembrance.
GM Bereavement Service Pop-Up Event
Date and time: Friday 11 September, 10am – 12pm
Venue: House of Books & Friends, 81 King Street, Manchester, M2 4AH (Ground Floor)
This event coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness around suicide prevention, mental health support, and breaking the stigma. Join to:
- Learn about bereavement and suicide bereavement
- Connect with others
- Hear about the service and speak to a practitioner for help or advice
Everyone is welcome. Register here
To find out more about Greater Manchester Bereavement Service visit the website.
Hopeful Horizon Winter, Jaksworld
Date and time: Monday 14 September 2026, 4pm – 8:30pm
Venue: St Clement’s Community Hall, Groves Avenue, Ordsall, M5 3LQ
This year, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, an extended programme will be held every Monday from 4pm–8.30pm, running through to 29 March 2027.
As a suicide prevention and postvention charity shaped by lived experience, we know that some of the people who come through our doors have been affected by suicide — through their own experiences, concern for someone they love, or bereavement by suicide. Our lived experience is at the heart of Jak’s World and helps us create spaces where difficult feelings can be spoken about openly, without judgement or the need to explain. Each Monday will include:
- 4pm – Creative session – different activities and themes throughout the programme
- 6pm – Community meal – a warm meal and an opportunity to sit, eat and connect with others
- 7.30pm – Relaxation session
From January, instead of creative sessions, we will introduce our new Stories of Hope, welcoming guests to share lived experiences, personal journeys and messages of hope. People can come for one part of the programme or stay for the whole afternoon and evening. No referral is needed, and people do not need to explain why they are coming.
Wellbeing Walk Horwich
Date and time: Monday 14 September 2026, 6pm
Venue: Horwich Leisure Centre, BL6 5YP
Join us for a wellbeing walk in Horwich. The route is approximately three miles and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, with some slight inclines making it a medium intensity walk. For more information, contact berrytracy04@gmail.com.
New House Wednesday Walkers
Date and time: Wednesday 16 September 2026, 10:30am – 11:30am
Venue: Horwich Leisure Centre, BL6 5YP
This friendly one-hour walk is taken at a slow to moderate pace and welcomes people of all ages. For more information, contact edward.kavanagh@bolton.gov.uk.
Month of Hope Information Event
Date and time: Thursday 17 September 2026, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Bolton Railway Station, Trinity Street, BL2 1BE
6 – A side Football Tournament
Date and time: Friday 18 September 2026, 10am – 12pm
Venue: Burden Park 3G Astro Pitches, BL3 2RS
Hosted by Andrew Farnworth Transforming Lives Group CIC. For more information, contact andyfarny1@gmail.com.
Bolton Walk of Hope
Date and time: Monday 21 September 2026, 12pm
Venue: Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RJ
Join a gentle lunchtime walk, meeting at Victoria Square. The route is approximately 1 to 1.5km, with mainly flat terrain and a slow, relaxed pace suitable for most people. For more information, contact edward.kavanagh@bolton.gov.uk.
Lancashire Wildlife Trust Mindful Walk
Date and time: Thursday 24 September 2026, 11am – 12:30pm
Venue: Rock Hall, Hall Lane, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 7SF
Join a gentle mindful walk, starting at Rock Hall and finishing at Knob End with free refreshments at the end. For more information, contact swhittle@lancwt.org.uk.
Community Cycle Ride
Date and time: Saturday 26 September 2026, 2pm -5pm
Venue: Bolton Railway Station, BL2 1BE
Join the Community Cycle Ride, meeting outside Bolton Railway Station. The route is approximately 13 miles and follows a round trip to Parr Fold Park in Walkden before returning to Bolton. For more information, contact selcrp@phonecoop.coop.
Manbassadors Walk
Date and time: Monday 28 September 2026, 10:30am
Venue: The Hive, Moss Bank Park, BL1 6NB
Join the Manbassadors Walk, approximately a three-mile walk which follows a mix of road and off-road terrain, with mainly flat sections as well as some inclines and steps. Walking boots are recommended, and a refreshment stop is included along the route. For more information, contact rowan.ardill@beonehomes.com.
Greater Manchester Farnworth Walk of Hope
Date and time: Tuesday 29 September, 1pm
Venue: Farnworth Library, Farnworth Town Hall, BL4 7PG
Join us for a six-kilometre route that includes Moses Gate Country Park. The walk takes around two hours and follows a mix of road and country trails. Feel free to bring a picnic, drinks and snacks. For more information, contact marc.lowden@gmmh.nhs.uk.
Moss Bank Park Health Walk
Date and time: Wednesday 30 September 2026, 1pm
Venue: Main car park, Moss Bank Park, BL1 6NB
Join the Moss Bank Park Health Walk, an approximately four-mile route through the park. The walk takes around two hours and is of medium intensity, following unpaved paths. Suitable footwear is advised, and dogs are not permitted. For more information, contact roger.marks1@btinternet.com.
Community Rail Trail Walk
Date and time: Thursday 1 October 2026, 1pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Bolton Railway Station, BL2 1BE (near Clock Tower)
Attend the community walk starting at Bolton Railway Station and finishing at Hall-I’th’ Wood Station. The distance is four miles and takes approximately 2.5 hours. A free train journey will be provided back to Bolton Railway station. For more information, contact selcrp@phonecoop.coop.
The Well Walk – Farnworth
Date and time: Wednesday 7 October 2026, 12pm – 1pm
Venue: Trafford Street, Farnworth, BL4 7PQ
Join our 30-minute low-intensity walk followed by free tea and coffee after the walk. For more information, contact dilni@farnworthbaptist.org.uk.
Month of Hope Closing Event
Date and time: Friday 9 October 2026
Venue: TBC
Support
NHS 111
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. Other ways to contact 111:
- Text relay. Call 18001 111 using text relay, 24 hours a day.
- British sign language (BSL) Use signvideo.co.uk/nhs111
- Help in other languages. Call 111 and ask for an interpreter.
If you or someone else have physically harmed themselves, or if their life is at risk, then you should still call 999 or go to A&E.
Greater Manchester Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise community mental health crisis drop-in services
These community-based services offer immediate support and de-escalation in a safe environment, a listening ear, crisis management, practical support and a quick referral to a mental health assessment if required. They’re an alternative to A&E and provide easier and more appropriate access for anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis. Find a drop-in centre in your locality.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can provide support to anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death, no matter how long ago. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief.
Call on 0161 983 0902 for help in finding the right support for you. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except bank holidays.)
Email: gmicb-sal.gm.bs@nhs.net
Or visit the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service website.
Shining a Light on Suicide
The Shining a Light on Suicide website has lots of information to support you if you are having thoughts of suicide, if you are concerned about someone who is suicidal or if you have been bereaved by suicide. Visit the website here