People across Greater Manchester experiencing emotional distress or mental health crisis now have access to a network of safe, welcoming, support spaces.
People across Greater Manchester experiencing emotional distress or mental health crisis now have access to a network of safe, welcoming, support spaces. They offer urgent help without the need for long waits, referrals or appointments.
These services, available in each of the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, are run by the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. They provide non-clinical crisis alternatives to A&E, where many people often turn in desperation. The hubs are staffed by trained peer support workers, volunteers, and mental health professionals, offering a listening ear, practical help, and where necessary, fast access to further mental health assessment.
I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to speak to me. It helps to talk to someone who understands what I’m going through. Service user.
The hubs are designed to work in partnership with existing NHS crisis teams, GP surgeries, adult social care, and local voluntary networks. Together, they create a more responsive and inclusive mental health safety net that reaches people earlier and in more accessible ways.
We offer a non-clinical, out-of-hours mental health crisis service as an alternative to A&E, where long wait times are common. This is a vital resource for people who live and work in Bolton. You’ll be warmly welcomed, listened to without judgement, and supported to navigate your crisis. Living with mental health challenges can be tough, but you are not alone. Michelle Del Rosso, Service Manager for Bolton Listening Lounge
Beyond providing immediate support, these services are helping to ease pressure on already stretched emergency departments, ambulance services and police responses offering a more appropriate and compassionate pathway to recovery and longer-term wellbeing.
The Listening Space is based in the heart of Oldham. We offer support via telephone, face-to-face, drop-in or pre-booked appointments, with flexible hours across the week. We understand that mental health is affected by many parts of life which is why we work closely with organisations like Positive Steps, who support people with housing, finances, and other practical issues. This is an incredible project because it’s shaped and run by people with lived experience. Our peer-led approach makes a real difference. Clients often tell us that being able to talk to someone who’s been through similar things really helps. Katie Keene, Crisis Services Manager in Oldham
It has been a warm, safe, and friendly environment since I started working here, and that same sense of safety and trust is what we offer our clients. It’s a space where they feel valued, heard, and supported on their journey. Momina Qureshi, Volunteer Peer Supporter at The Listening Space
This is about meeting people with dignity, care and understanding. Our VCFSE crisis alternatives are rooted in community, connection and lived experience. They offer a genuine alternative to A&E, reducing pressure on emergency services while providing people with the timely, respectful support they truly need. Too often, people in crisis feel they have nowhere else to go. Now, Greater Manchester has a network of local spaces where people can be heard, helped and supported — quickly and compassionately. Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this mental health support you can find full details of all services here or download our leaflet: NHS GM Greater Manchester community crisis services leaflet May 2025
You can read Nev’s * story here and see how accessing one of the community crisis spaces supported him when he needed it the most
