• When to take action
• Share practical ideas to help children manage their anxiety
• Discuss how Kooth can provide extra support.

The content has been written predominantly for families with secondary and higher aged children sitting GCSEs, A- Levels or Nationals and Highers in Scotland.

• Book 9th March, 6:00pm
• Book 16th March, 7:00pm

The post How you can support your child to manage exam stress appeared first on Mental Health.

If you’re living with a severe or enduring mental health condition and looking for work, individual placement and support can help.

It’s an employment support service designed to help people with mental health challenges find and stay in paid jobs that match your skills and interests.

In Greater Manchester. Pure Innovations, working alongside PossAbilities and The Growth Company, have already helped hundreds of people take steps toward meaningful employment. Find out more here

IPS Employment Specialist (Oldham, Stockport or Tameside)

We are seeking a motivated and passionate self-starter who wants to kick-start or continue a career in the supported employment sector. This position, with on-the-job training, is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and support those with mental health needs across Greater Manchester. For more information, please download the Job Description. IPS Employment Specialist Job Description and Person Specification

To apply for this role, please apply on line here. If you require support with the recruitment process, please get in touch with recruitment@pureinnovations.co.uk or call us on 0161 804 4400.

Mental Health Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Specialist in Bury

To support individuals with mental health support needs, to secure sustainable paid employment in line. You will work in collaboration and foster a close working relationship with the staff within the NHS Mental Health Teams to ensure the best outcomes for the people that you are supporting.

Employment-Officer-Mental-Health-Person-spec-January-2023

Employment-Officer-Mental-Health-IPS-JD-January-2023

Apply online here

‘Life-changing’ mental health employment support service helps local woman. An Oldham woman has praised NHS Oldham talking therapies for changing her life and giving her hope for a brighter future. Her therapist referred her to service’s dedicated employment team late last year, where she connected with employment adviser Adam Iqbal. Adam’s understanding and empathetic approach played a crucial role in Joana’s journey. He helped her recognise her potential and provided practical advice on how to achieve her goals. You can read  more on Pennine Care’s website

The post Job opportunities at Pure Innovations and PossAbilities who provide Individual Placement Support – tailored employment support for people with mental health related conditions appeared first on Mental Health.

• Kooth (for ages 10 to 25) kooth.com
• Qwell (for ages 26+) qwell.io/

Christmas Week

• December 20^th 6pm to 10pm
• December 21^st 6pm to 10pm
• December 22^nd 12pm to 10pm
• December 23^rd 12pm to 10pm
• December 24^th 12pm to 8pm
• Christmas Day December 25^th 4pm to 8pm
• Boxing Day December 26^th 12pm to 8pm

New Year Week

• December 27^th 6pm to 10pm
• December 28^th 6pm to 10pm
• December 29^th 12pm to 10pm
• December 30^th 12pm to 10pm
• New Years Eve December 31^st 12pm to 8pm
• New Years day January 1^st 4pm to 8pm
• January 2^nd 12pm to 10pm

The post Christmas and New Year opening times for Kooth and Qwell appeared first on Mental Health.

Bullying among young people remains a huge issue, which can lead to self-harm, anxiety, depression, difficulties at school and can negatively impact relationships.

As Kooth’s independent research shows, parents and carers don’t always know bullying is happening, with one in three young people suffering in silence.

Kooth and The Diana Award have produced a powerful film, “The Pretender” that’s based on the experiences young people share with Kooth. Starring a talented group of young people, it tells an emotive story of a boy being bullied on his phone.

Freya found support through Kooth when she was being bullied at school. She made a video describing her experiences and how Kooth helped, commenting: “Their resources and advice really helped me and without them I wouldn’t be who I am today.” You can view this film here

In another film consultant psychologist at Kooth Dr Hannah Wilson explains the serious impacts bullying can have on the mental health of young people, while encouraging parents and carers to make conversations about young people’s lives online part of our everyday lives. You can view this film here

Explore Kooth is a magazine for young people, that has a collection of stories, videos and helpful articles on bullying, aimed at helping young people manage. Find out more here

You can find out more about Kooth here

The post Kooth and The Diana Award: tackling bullying together appeared first on Mental Health.

These can include struggling with issues like low mood, anxiety and loneliness. The impact of EBSNA can range from the young person experiencing an occasional reluctance to attend school, to complete non-attendance. It can start suddenly or develop gradually over time.

Kooth have developed this free webinar for families to explore EBSNA as a complex issue and will give guidance on how digital mental health support can help.

Tuesday October 14th at 6pm or Thursday 23rd October at 6pm

You can register here 

The post EBSNA – Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance appeared first on Mental Health.

During the summer holidays, children and young people are out of their usual routines and social networks. Whether they are waiting for exam results, moving up a year at school, changing schools, starting college, or heading off to university, this summer will be the start of change for many families across Greater Manchester.

While results and transitions can be nerve-wracking, they can also mean growth, confidence-building, and resilience. With the right support, children and young people can move forward feeling secure, motivated, and ready to face new challenges.

Exam results

As we get closer to getting exam results, some parents may notice signs of stress, anxiety or uncertainty in their children.  Whether you’re waiting for GCSE, A-level, or BTEC results, this time of year can bring up big emotions for young people and their families.

Supporting a child through results day requires patience, empathy, and a focus on their wellbeing. By creating a supportive environment, listening to their concerns, and acknowledging their hard work, parents can help their child through this stressful period. Focusing on their individual experience and celebrating their achievements, regardless of the results, is crucial for building resilience and confidence. Don’t worry – you’re not alone!  There are some useful resources and links to wellbeing support.

Take a look at our guide to supporting your child through results day

Moving on

Starting something new is always a big step — and it’s okay if it comes with a few wobbles. With encouragement and clear communication, children can head into new schools, colleges or universities feeling more prepared and positive.

Transitions can be an exciting opportunity and often come with the chance to make new friends, explore new interests, and develop independence. But they can be daunting too and it’s normal to feel anxious.

As a parent there’s a lot you can do to help your child manage the change and minimise anxiety, whatever their situation. If you need a helping hand, we have a wealth of resources online.

Take a look at our guide to supporting your child through education transitions

Holding it together

The best support you can offer your child is your presence and understanding. Whatever is on their mind this summer, knowing that home is a safe and encouraging space makes all the difference. This could mean taking time to talk through uncertainties, planning for upcoming change, or keeping up your usual household routine.

Summer may be full of change, but it could also be a time to come together and regroup, ensuring the whole family is ready for the next stage.

Support from Kooth

Access free, safe and anonymous professional support online from Kooth. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to this platform is available instantly 24/7 and includes:

• Live chat or messaging with qualified mental health professionals
• Self-help tools and activities
• Online community

Kooth are running a series of free live forums for children and young people to talk to each other – facilitated by an Emotional Wellbeing Practitioner at Kooth. They take place every week on Kooth. You can find out more here

The post Helping young minds to thrive – how to support children and young people through the summer holidays appeared first on Mental Health.

• Friday August 4^th 7.30pm to 9pm. Finding support when experiencing racism or discrimination
• Wednesday August 16^th 7.30pm to 9pm. Feeling overwhelmed by what we see on social media
• Monday August 7^th 7.30pm to 9pm. Tackling loneliness this summer
• Friday August 25^th 7.30pm to 9pm. Challenging stereotypes around masculinity and strength
• Monday August 28^th 7.30pm to 9pm. Unmasking neurodiversity and learning difficulties

The post Live forums on Kooth this summer appeared first on Mental Health.

• Tuesday July 22nd: 4pm to 5pm
• Thursday July 24th: 10am to 11am

What’s it about?

In 2023, Greater Manchester saw 340 probable deaths by suicide, highlighting the urgent need for action. The session will cover showcase accessible support & resources to help navigate Suicide Prevention and Awareness.

What’s included?

• Live webinar for all professionals
• A Linktree showcasing specific resources and services that aim to support suicide prevention and awareness

Free digital mental wellbeing support

Join the community and access free, safe and anonymous professional support online. There are no waiting lists for support and no referral needed. Access to these platforms is available instantly 24/7. Support available includes:

• Live chat or messaging with qualified mental health professionals
• Self-help tools and activities
• Online community Kooth (for ages 10 to 25) www.kooth.com 

The post KoothTalks Suicide Prevention and Awareness webinar appeared first on Mental Health.

Why this matters

People living with SMI face significant health inequalities and are at greater risk of dying prematurely, often from preventable physical health conditions. Ensuring timely physical health checks helps identify risks early, support better care, and save lives. This progress represents a step forward in addressing these inequalities across our region.

Highlights by locality

• All 10 localities exceeded the national 60% target, with strong performances seen across the board.
• Stockport & Salford led the way with 74% of people on the SMI register receiving checks.
• Trafford (72%), HMR (71%), and Wigan (70%) also delivered outstanding results.

This success is thanks to the dedication of GP practices, specialist mental health teams, VCSE and system-wide collaboration. Your hard work is making a tangible difference in people’s lives.  Let’s keep building on this momentum to further close the health gap and ensure everyone with SMI receives the care and support they deserve.

Download our public facing information leaflet: SMI and physical health checks May 2025

Download our public facing poster: SMI and physical health checks poster May 2025

The post Greater Manchester Exceeds National Target for Physical Health Checks for People with SMI appeared first on Mental Health.

The service will last for one hour and tea and coffee will be available afterwards.

Organisations supporting people bereaved and affected by suicide will be in attendance with information.

Please register here to attend.

For anyone bereaved or affected by suicide, support is available from our Greater Manchester Bereavement Service

The post Time Together Service appeared first on Mental Health.