Get help with mental health and addiction

If you’re struggling, The Manchester College has partnered with experts who can support you in complete confidence. You are not alone, and reaching out is never a sign of weakness.

Mental health challenges and addiction can affect anyone, of any age, from any background, at any time. It can be a difficult and lonely experience, and it is common to feel like you should be able to manage it alone. But here at TMC, we work closely with a range of fantastic local, regional, and national organisations. These organisations can support you through whatever you are facing, in complete confidence.

On campus, our student support team is always here to help. You can find out more about everything available to you on our student support page. You can speak to someone, ask questions, or simply find out what kind of help exists before deciding what feels right for you. Reaching out to a member of staff you trust can also be a good first step if talking to an external organisation feels like too big a leap right now. This could be a tutor, a member of the support team, or someone else at the college.

Support with addiction

We have partnered with UKAT, a leading UK addiction treatment provider, to give students insight, guidance, and a place to learn more about all types of addiction and related support topics. Their website includes detailed, non-judgemental information on:

UKAT also offers a 24/7 helpline and live chat where you can talk to someone confidentially, including people who are themselves in recovery from addiction. You do not need to have a diagnosis or be in crisis to reach out. UKAT can help at any stage, whether you are just starting to wonder if something is a problem or you already know you need support. Their site is designed to be approachable rather than clinical. The information is written in plain language so you can understand your options before deciding what to do next.

National helplines worth knowing

Alongside UKAT, there are several national, specialist services that can offer free, confidential advice depending on what you are going through.

If you are concerned about drugs or alcohol, you can talk to FRANK on 0300 123 6600, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for honest, judgement-free information.

If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, the National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare, is available 24/7 on 0808 8020 133, or via live chat on their website.

If you are struggling with disordered eating, Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity, runs a free helpline.

Adults can call 0808 801 0677, and under-18s can call the Beat Youthline on 0808 801 0711. Both are confidential and staffed by trained advisors who understand how hard it can be to take that first step.

Local support across Greater Manchester

There are also a number of excellent local services across Greater Manchester where you will be welcomed and supported, often without needing a referral:

Manchester Mind: 0161 769 5732
Talking Therapies (Manchester): 0161 226 3871
Energise Centre (Salford): 0161 212 5700
Kath Locke Centre (Manchester): 0161 455 0211
Zion Centre (Manchester): 0161 226 5412
Living Well (Rochdale): 01706 751 190
Be Well (Manchester): 0161 470 7120.

These services cover everything from talking therapy and CBT to drop-in wellbeing support and community-based groups. Many operate on a self-referral basis, meaning you do not need to go through a GP first. They are run by experienced local teams who understand the specific pressures of living and studying in Greater Manchester, and who are used to supporting people of all ages and backgrounds.

Why reaching out early matters

It can be tempting to wait until things feel unmanageable before asking for help, but support tends to be most effective the earlier you reach out. Many of the services listed here are designed to work with you at any stage, whether you are just starting to notice a pattern that worries you or you have been struggling for a long time.

You also do not need to be completely certain that something is "bad enough" to deserve support. If something is affecting your wellbeing, your studies, or your relationships, that is reason enough to talk to someone. None of the services on this page will judge you for reaching out, and none require you to have all the answers before you do.

If you need urgent support

If you are in crisis or need to talk to someone right now, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, completely free, on 116 123. You do not need to be having thoughts of suicide to call; their trained volunteers are there to listen without judgement, whatever is on your mind.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999, or go to your nearest A&E. NHS 111 also has a dedicated mental health option (option 2) available 24/7 if you are unsure where else to turn.

You are not alone

Whatever you are going through, whether it is something you have been carrying for a while or something that has only recently started to worry you, please know that support is available. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Every service listed on this page exists because people understand how hard these situations can be, and they want to help you through it.

Visit our support section to find out more about everything available to you at The Manchester College and remember that our student support team is always just a conversation away.