Food banks highlight mental health support over Christmas

LOCAL mental health support services are being highlighted at Tameside food banks this Christmas to support people experiencing a challenging time.

The festive season can be especially difficult for people suffering from bereavement, low mood, depression, anxiety and other mental health issues as well as suicidal thoughts. It can also be very challenging for those also experiencing financial difficulties.

Tameside Council is once again working in partnership with food banks, The Bread and Butter Thing and other local support services to help target information about support available to people who may particularly need it.

Flyers listing local mental health support services and the Hub of Hope mental health support network are being put in food bags and parcels. Citizens Advice officers are also holding outreach sessions in food banks.

The move is part of wider mental health awareness and suicide prevention work linked to Tameside’ s Suicide Prevention Strategy, which aims to raise awareness and provide support, especially given the continued rise of suicide rates in the borough in recent years.

Financial difficulty, living in more deprived areas and significant life events such as relationship breakdown, unemployment, bereavement (including by suicide) can result in people thinking about suicide. However, this is not inevitable and things like a supportive family and friends as well as seeking help and support of wider services can make the difference before issues escalate.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Public Health Cllr Tafheen Sharif said: “I know that Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time for many people, and my message is simple: you do not have to face it alone. Support is here, and we are ready to help whenever you need us.

“We already share information about local services through our social media, website and partner networks, but we wanted to go even further to reach those who may be struggling - especially with the added financial pressures and worries that this time of year can bring.

“Foodbanks do truly amazing work at the heart of our communities. We partnered with them last year to highlight mental health support, and I’m deeply grateful for their help again this year. Even if someone doesn’t need support right now, we urge them to keep this information or pass it on to someone who might. You never know whose life it could change.”

The council is also urging everyone to complete free online suicide awareness training to help them support anyone who may be feeling suicidal.

Cllr Sharif said: “I’ve completed the suicide awareness training myself, and I cannot stress how valuable it is. It only takes 30 minutes, but it gives you the confidence to support someone who may be feeling suicidal. Many people don’t realise how important it can be to ask directly if someone is feeling suicidal - but sometimes that honest, direct question is exactly what a person needs to open up about how they’re really feeling. It could save a life.”

For further information on local health and support services, including mental health support, see  https://www.tameside.gov.uk/helpinghand

To access the free 30minute on-line suicide prevention training see https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training

Anyone who is struggling financially is also welcome to attend a Household Support Fund information session in the new year on 8 January 2026 1-3pm at New Life Church, Ashton, OL6 6SD.  The Household Support Fund offers a one-off payment grant designed to help low income households with food and fuel costs, bridging the gap between emergency food needs and reliance on foodbanks. This initiative aims to support individuals and families facing financial challenges during the winter months.