We’re proud to support Greater Manchester’s fifth Month of Hope this year.
Delivered as part of the Shining a Light on Suicide Campaign, the month begins on World Suicide Prevention Day (10th Sept) and runs to World Mental Health Day (10th Oct) and is focussed on encouraging open conversations about suicide and instilling hope across the city region.
There are many ways to get involved, including online training, webinars and events taking place right across Greater Manchester.
Learn to save a life
Free 30-minute online training from the Zero Suicide Alliance. This training helps people feel more confident talking to people about suicide – it really could save a life.
There are also tailored modules available for veterans, university students, autistic people.
Start the Learn to save a life training .
Support for people affected
If you have lost someone to suicide, the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service is there to listen and help you find the right support. It’s a confidential service with dedicated suicide bereavement practitioners, who are there for you no matter how long it’s been.
You can access the service by calling 0161 983 0902 or visiting www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except bank holidays.)
Memory walks, vigils and events
There are also several events taking place this month, including memory walks and vigils in of remembrance which offer the opportunity to come together as a community and remember those lost to suicide and provide support for the bereaved.
We are shining a spotlight on two events, which GMMH colleagues organised to mark the Month of Hope to raise awareness and instil hope.
More than 40 runners inspired by suicide prevention took part in the Wigan 10k
Our suicide prevention lead, Lisa Sadiford, with colleagues from our Wigan mental health service, Wigan Council’s public health team and community partners from SWAN Primary Care Network, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and addiction support charity We Are With You competed in the Wigan 10k on Sunday 6 September to raise vital money and awareness for two suicide support charities.
The goal was to raise more than £1,000 for Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) and Samaritans .
Lisa said:
“Having been bereaved by suicide myself, I understand the devastating and life-long impact that suicide has on families, friends and communities.
“This run is dedicated to the memory of everyone we have lost, to standing in solidarity with those who are bereaved by suicide and to demonstrating that through compassion, collaboration and strong partnership working, we can build hope, strengthen our communities and work together towards reducing suicide in Wigan borough.”
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/team/wiganph10k , with all money raised split evenly between SOBS and Samaritans.
Bolton Walks of Hope
Marc Lowden a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner for our Bolton Neighbourhood Mental Health Service ran a circular walk along the country trails in Horwich in partnership with Bolton Council’s public health team on Tuesday 8 September 2026.
Marc has been involved in Bolton’s Month of Hope events for a couple of years and also holds a monthly Walk of Hope on the third Monday of each month, starting in Bolton town centre.
Marc and colleagues will be joining the next walk in Bolton:
Greater Manchester Farnworth Walk of Hope - Tuesday 29 September, 1pm
Join us from Farnworth Library for a six-kilometre route that includes Moses Gate Country Park.
The walk takes around two hours and follows a mix of road and country trails.
Everyone welcome and f eel free to bring a picnic, drinks and snacks.
For more information, contact marc.lowden@gmmh.nhs.uk .
For more events happening across Greater Manchester, please visit: Greater Manchester's Month of Hope 2026 | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
