Published on: 15th September 2025
Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope is back, running from World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) to World Mental Health Day (10 October).
The theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ is about open conversations, challenging stigma, and inspiring hope. It’s part of the Shining a Light on Suicide campaign, inviting everyone to play a role in preventing suicide.
There are many ways to get involved, including several events throughout the month. You can see some taking place across our patch below, or the full list on the month of hope website.
Tameside Baton of Hope
Tameside was chosen as one of 22 locations for the Baton of Hope, the UK's largest suicide prevention initiative, on Friday 12 September.
We were proud that our headquarters was one of the first stops on the tour, which was organised by Anthony Seddon Fund.
Many colleagues formed a guard of honour to applaud the baton carriers, which included Tasha Hockaday from our early intervention team.
You can read Tasha's story below and watch a short video from Ria Neill, manager of our early intervention team.
Tasha Hockaday, who works in our Tameside and Glossop early intervention team, is one of the baton carriers when the Baton of Hope comes to Tameside:
“By completing the Baton of Hope, I hope to raise awareness for The Anthony Seddon Centre and the incredible work they do. The centre promotes social interactions and support networks to aid prevention, recovery, and management of any mental health issue and I want to help shine a light on that.”
“I am taking part in loving memory of my sister, Steph, who tragically passed away in 1999 aged just 19, and in memory of Shane, who we lost in 2020 aged 44. Both left a huge and lasting void in our lives and in the hearts of everyone who loved them.”
“I also walk to remember all those who have lost their lives to suicide, and to stand with everyone affected by it.”
“When Steph died, I was only 14. Back then, suicide was rarely spoken about, which made an already devastating time even harder. That silence left me feeling isolated and without the support I really needed.”
“When Shane died in 2020, my son Jake James was only 7 years old, and my son Jack was 18. Jake James had the heartbreak of losing his Dad at such a young age, while Jack faced the pain of losing someone who had been part of his life for so many years.
"I didn’t want either of them to feel the same silence I did when I lost Steph. I want them both to know they are never alone, that they can talk openly about their grief, and that there’s no shame in speaking about suicide. Keeping those conversations open is so important.”
“I will always be grateful to Ria, Rachel and my colleagues in the Tameside and Glossop early intervention team. They supported me when I was struggling, referred me to the Resilience Hub, and encouraged me to attend appointments with Jake James so he could be supported in his bereavement. Their kindness and understanding made an incredibly difficult and painful time a little easier to get through.”
Pictured: Tasha (top left); Jake James and Jack with Shane (top right); Tasha and Steph (bottom).
Memorial vigils and events
Several memorial vigils and walks took place across the region on Wednesday 10 September for World Suicide Prevention Day, including Bury, Oldham and Tameside.
Dr Sarmad Nadeem, lead for our suicide prevention steering group, was a speaker at Bury's annual vigil in Kay Gardens.
Sarmad said:"It was really moving to stand alongside members of the public, listen to their experiences, and reflect on the importance of hope, connection, and compassion in suicide prevention."
Training
Learn to save a life
Take the free, 30-minute online training from the Zero Suicide Alliance. This training helps build confidence in recognising signs that someone may be thinking of suicide and how to support them. Start the training.
Kooth and Qwell suicide prevention webinars
Three training sessions, open to professionals and the public:
- Monday 6 October, 4–5pm
- Tuesday 7 October, 3.30–4.30pm
- Thursday 9 October, 10–11am
Book your place on a suicide prevention webinar.
Support services
- NHS 111 – select the mental health option
- Greater Manchester Bereavement Service – call 0161 983 0902 or visit the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service website.
- Community-based drop-in services across Greater Manchester - immediate support in a safe environment, a listening ear, crisis management, practical support and referrals if required. Find a drop-in centre in near you.