Food banks highlight mental health support over Christmas

Local mental health support services are being highlighted at Tameside food banks this Christmas to help residents who may be facing a particularly challenging time.

The festive season can be especially difficult for people experiencing bereavement, low mood, depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts, and pressures can be intensified for those also struggling financially.

In response, Tameside Council is once again working in partnership with local food banks, The Bread and Butter Thing and other support services to make sure help reaches those who need it most. Flyers listing local mental health support services, along with details of the Hub of Hope mental health support network, are being placed in food bags and parcels distributed across the borough. Citizens Advice officers are also holding outreach sessions for food bank clients.

The initiative forms part of wider mental health awareness and suicide prevention work linked to Tameside’s Suicide Prevention Strategy. The strategy focuses on raising awareness and providing support, particularly in light of a continued rise in suicide rates in the borough in recent years.

Financial hardship, living in more deprived areas and major life events such as relationship breakdown, unemployment or bereavement, including bereavement by suicide, can increase the risk of people experiencing suicidal thoughts. However, the council stresses that this is not inevitable and that strong support networks, along with timely help from services, can make a crucial difference before problems escalate.

Tameside Council’s 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.

“Food banks 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.”

As part of the campaign, residents are also being encouraged to complete free online suicide awareness training, designed to help people recognise warning signs and feel more confident supporting someone who may be feeling suicidal.

Cllr Sharif added: “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 more information on local health and support services, including mental health support, visit: www.tameside.gov.uk/helpinghand

To access the free 30-minute online suicide awareness training, visit: www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training

Anyone struggling financially is also invited to attend a Household Support Fund information session in the new year, taking place on 8 January 2026 from 1–3pm at New Life Church, Ashton, OL6 6SD. The Household Support Fund offers a one-off grant to help low-income households with food and fuel costs, aiming to reduce reliance on emergency food support during the winter months.