Tameside pubs serve up mental health support

Pubs have something new on the table to support people who may be struggling with their mental health.

Tameside Council and partners from Tameside Suicide Prevention Action Group have got together with Tameside Pubwatch to develop and distribute unique ‘menus’ to be displayed in bars across the borough.

The ‘Are you Alight Mate?’ menu style resource, which supports the Greater Manchester’s Shine a light on Suicide campaign, lists ‘Starters’, such as conversation starters, ‘Mains’, such as the main pressures people may be feeling, and ‘Desserts’, which signpost to local support. There is also a list of ‘Specials’ highlighting where people can get help in a crisis.

Men accounted for 81% of suicides in Tameside between 2022 and 2024 and it is hoped the bespoke pub menu will help reach more people - but men in particular – with support when they need it. It offers guidance about spotting the signs of someone feeling suicidal, understanding what might be going on and offering choices about where to turn to for help.

Tameside Council Director of Public Health James Mallion said: “You don’t have to be a mental health professional to help prevent suicide.  The Are You Alright Mate? resources have been developed to start conversations, and to help people to build up confidence to talk openly about mental health.  

“There are many services and voluntary organisations in Tameside that are here to help when life feels heavy.  It’s not a one-size fits-all when it comes to getting support, so these menus are here to show just some of the options.  Our aim is to ensure that nobody ever feels that suicide is their best or only option.” 

Everyone is also encouraged to take part in Zero Suicide Alliance’s free online training to help save someone who may be thinking of taking their own life at Learn to Save a Life - Shining a Light on Suicide