Bluesci Social Prescribing Service
Bluesci provide a social prescribing service to support mental health and wellbeing. This is a way of connecting individuals into local community wellbeing activities that provide health benefits. This may be activities and interventions delivered at one of our four wellbeing centres or elsewhere in the community.
What is waiting Well?
We want to provide you or the person you care for with help and support as soon as we can. Unfortunately, it can sometimes take time for an one-to-one appointment. Even though this can be a frustrating time, there are things you can do to help while waiting for support. We have suggested some ideas below. Try any of these and find what helps. Don’t worry if one thing doesn’t work for you; try something else.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
We all need good mental health and wellbeing – it’s essential to living happy healthy lives. Self-care and general lifestyle changes can help us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We recommend the Five Ways to Wellbeing: This short video clip helps explain the Five Ways to Wellbeing:
Developing relationships with your family, friends, people at work, your neighbours and people in communities will enrich your life and bring you support. Your local library is a great source of information about activities and groups in your area.
Playing sports, hobbies such as gardening or dancing, or just a daily stroll will make you feel good and maintain mobility and fitness. It provides fresh air, the opportunity to get out and about, social contacts and releases ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain.
We all lead busy lives, but taking time to appreciate your surroundings, enjoy everyday moments as well as the unusual and reflecting on them helps you to appreciate what matters to you.
Fixing a bike, learning an instrument, cooking, gardening – the challenge and satisfaction brings fun and confidence.
Helping friends and strangers links your happiness to a wider community and is very rewarding. It makes them feel good and you too. Volunteering is a one way to do this. It is a great way to meet new people and gain new experiences.
Top Tips
There are plenty of things that you can do to stay well and look after your mental health and wellbeing. Here are some key things to consider:
- Keep in touch with health services – your GP is still able to support you whilst you wait and may be able to link you into other services too. The Trafford community have a host of services that can help you (see the list below).
- Talk to someone – Mental health concerns can affect the way you feel, think and behave, bringing up many different emotions. Reach out to trusted friends and family to talk about how you are feeling, or contact one of the service below for further support.
- Keep a journal or a diary – It can be hard to remember everything you are thinking and feeling. Keeping a diary of things you think are important can help when you attend your first appointment, as well as reminding you about key things you want to ask.
- Look at lifestyle – Research shows that looking after both your body and mind benefits you. Think about sleep, eating healthily and taking time to relax. Avoiding non-prescription drugs and alcohol also help. Making small changes can help you see big rewards. The NHS Better Health website may be a good starting point.
- Research and gain knowledge – Understanding mental health concerns can help you feel informed and empowered to make decisions. There are some great websites to read: The NHS Mental Health site for general information, the GMMH Choice & Medication site to understand medications, and the charity Mind’s Information and Support pages are informative on a range of topics. If you want to attend free courses on a variety of topics related to mental health, you could sign up to the GMMH Recovery Academy.
- Carers need support too – We recognise that caring can be rewarding but also challenging. As a carer you have the right to receive support. If you are a caring for a relative or friend but not currently receiving support, the information on both the Trafford Carers Centre and the GMMH Carers, Family and Friends pages will be helpful.
Helpful numbers, websites and services
Mental Health Support
Trafford Talking Therapies Local NHS Talking Therapies service – Call 0161 357 1350
Trafford Based Services There are a number of brilliant services in Trafford’s voluntary sector specialising in mental health support, as listed on Trafford Directory.
Hub of Hope directory of national mental health services and organisations
NHS Self Help Guides on a range of concerns from anxiety, to postnatal depression and stress
Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust Self Help Resources A range of free to access self help resources focusing on a range of mental health concerns.
Crisis Support
For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, call 999 or attend your local A&E.
Bluesci at Night Out of Hours support for people experiencing emotional distress. At Old Trafford Wellbeing Centre – call 07933882743, open Monday – Sunday 5.30pm – 12.30am
Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust Crisis Line & Community Crisis Offer Call 0800 953 0285 to speak to someone, line operates 24/7
Samaritans Charity offering telephone support. Call 116 123, lines operate 24/7
SHOUT Charity offering support via text. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 to request support, service operates 24/7
Practical Support
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt support – Call 0800 328 0006
Housing Options Service Trafford Trafford Council’s housing assistance and guidance service
The Trussell Trust foodbanks – we can arrange a foodbank voucher for you, please contact one of our centres.
The Bread-and-Butter Thing affordable food club. The service meets at Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre, Wednesdays 1.30pm – 3.30pm. (Make sure to join via the website before attending).
Trafford Parent Forum for Parent / Carer support
Trafford Carers Centre supporting Trafford’s carers – Call 0161 848 2400 (option 1 for adults)
Ring and ride accessible minibuses – Call 0161 200 6011
Transport for Greater Manchester: Travel Vouchers for those with a disability – Call 0161 244 1000
Trafford Directory for information about various Trafford services and social activities