Published on: 3rd December 2025
A fresh approach to mental health support has given a local dad-of-one hope for the future, after he reached breaking point.
The Bury living well service involves lots of professionals working together as a seamless partnership for the first time.
The aim is to offer support that’s more joined-up, accessible, and consistent for adults with complex mental health needs. And with their “no wrong door” approach, they’re supporting people who might not previously been able to get help.
Ensuring people can quickly and easily receive the right support benefits their recovery and experience. It also reduces demand on GPs and referrals to specialist and hospital mental health services.
Since launching on 1 October 2024, they’ve received 7,556 referrals. This includes Greg, 54, from Bury, who reached breaking point after a series of traumatic and life-changing experiences.
Greg’s story
Greg said: “I’ve always been outgoing, but I learned early on to push things to the back of my mind. I grew up in a time when you were told to ‘man up’ - you didn’t talk to your mates about how you were feeling.
One of the first major events that left a lasting mark happened during his time as a pub landlord.
Robbed at gunpoint
“I was robbed at gunpoint,” he says. “That experience changed me. I didn’t feel like the same person. The trauma stayed with me, I just didn’t know how to deal with it.”
In 2015 his world was turned upside down when his wife passed away.
“My son was only little at the time and very close to his mum. It was heartbreaking watching him go through that. I was grieving too, but I had to stay strong for him.
“There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think about her, and I’ll always love her. I haven’t had another relationship since, I’ve just not felt ready.”
Over the years, Greg has also had to deal with chronic physical health problems, including a herniated disc in his neck from an old injury.
“I can’t even sit comfortably to watch a film. I need surgery, but it’s not a risk I want to take until my son is older and more independent. I just manage as best I can.”
Breaking point
Things reached breaking point a couple of years ago.
“I lost my job and driving licence due to a driving offence. Not long after, a neighbour came at me with an axe, completely unprovoked. It was frightening and pushed me over the edge. I felt my life had fallen apart and I’d lost everything. I wasn’t eating or sleeping properly and had no enjoyment in anything.”
He spoke to his GP, who prescribed medication and referred him to Fiona Bailey, a senior mental health practitioner at Pennine Care (pictured).
“The medication helped me step back into myself. I don’t have many people to talk to, so just having Fiona listen and understand made a big difference. She didn’t judge me, and I felt I could open up.”
During conversations with Fiona, something else came to light and she put him in touch with a specialist.
“I’d always suspected I might have ADHD,” he says. “I remember joining a Zoom session at work and some things they talked about really resonated with me, it felt like they were describing my life.
“Fiona picked up on a few things and referred me for an assessment. I was a bit nervous about the stigma, but being diagnosed has helped me understand myself better.
“Late last year I lost my dad to cancer. It was so quick and unexpected. And a month later my cousin died. Fiona helped me work through the grief. She’s also supported me with managing pain, housing and finance issues and has put me in touch with talking therapies.
“I feel more positive, but I still have ups and downs. I want to get back into work as soon as I can and move to a better neighbourhood. Fiona still checks in and just knowing someone’s there to help gives me hope for the future.”
Inner strength
Fiona Bailey, senior mental health practitioner for Pennine Care, said: “When I first met Greg, he was neglecting himself, completely despondent and at breaking point. Over time I saw a funny, upbeat, and resilient man emerge, who wasn't prepared to give up.
“We've had many deep conversations, with tears, jokes, and laughter along the way. The hard work has been done by Greg, supported by just a little encouragement and nurturing to enable his inner strength and confidence to rise to the surface.
“Offering joined up support is vital for people’s recovery, so we’ll continue to work together to help Greg achieve his goals.”
The Bury living well service is for people aged 18+, registered with a GP in Bury, who are experiencing complex mental health issues. Their GP can refer them, and someone will be in touch. Visit our Bury living well page to find out more.