10 September – 10 October 2026
Greater Manchester’s Month of Hope returns this autumn, running from World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) to World Mental Health Day (10 October).
Delivered as part of the Shining a Light on Suicide campaign, the Month of Hope supports the Greater Manchester Suicide Prevention Strategy and invites everyone to play a role in preventing suicide.
Events across Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Mental Health Horwich Hub Walk of Hope
Tuesday 8 September 2026 | 12:00pm
Start: Horwich Town Hall BL6 7AQ
Route: Horwich Town Hall → Liverpool Castle, Rivington → Great House Barn → Horwich Beach → Horwich Town Hall
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Terrain: Mostly flat country trails
Please note some country paths may not be suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
Feel free to bring a picnic, drinks and snacks.
Month of Hope Opening Event
Thursday 10th September. 10.00AM – 2.00PM
Victoria Square, Bolton BL1 1RU (Opposite Bolton Town Hall)
Meet local support organisations
Advice, guidance and signposting
Wellbeing Conversations hosted by Manbassadors and Samaritans
Bury Suicide Prevention Day Vigil
This vigil will take place in memory of the lives lost to suicide and will take place on Thursday 10th September 2026 at 6pm-7.30pm.
The memory walk will start at 6pm from Kay Gardens and finish at the memorial stone in front of Castle Leisure Centre.
For more information, please contact Rebecca Jackson via email.
Candlelight Vigil
Thursday 10th September from 6-7:30pm outside Salford Museum and Art Gallery, followed by refreshments in the Museum cafe.
There will be representatives from local suicide bereavement charities present to offer support.
The event will include contributions from speakers, local poets and music from local artists/choirs. It culminates in a flag parade, candle-lit vigil, and minute silence. It is an evening of reflection, celebration and remembrance.
GM Bereavement Service Pop-Up Event
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service will be hosting a free Bereavement Pop‑Up Event on Friday 11th September, 10am–12pm, at House of Books & Friends.
This event coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day , a day dedicated to raising awareness around suicide prevention, mental health support, and breaking the stigma.
Join us to:
- Learn about bereavement and suicide bereavement
- Connect with others
- Hear about our service and speak to a practitioner for help or advice
Everyone is welcome. Register for free via Eventbrite
To find out more about Greater Manchester Bereavement service visit the website.
???? Hopeful Horizon Winter, Jaksworld
Will be starting on Monday 14 September 2026 at St Clement’s Community Hall in Ordsall.
This year, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, we are able to offer an extended programme every Monday from 4pm–8.30pm, running through to 29 March 2027.
As a suicide prevention and postvention charity shaped by lived experience, we know that some of the people who come through our doors have been affected by suicide — through their own experiences, concern for someone they love, or bereavement by suicide. Our lived experience is at the heart of Jak’s World and helps us create spaces where difficult feelings can be spoken about openly, without judgement or the need to explain.
Each Monday will include:
- 4pm – Creative session – different activities and themes throughout the programme
- 6pm – Community meal – a warm meal and an opportunity to sit, eat and connect with others
- 7.30pm – Relaxation session
- From January, instead of creative sessions, we will introduce our new Stories of Hope, welcoming guests to share lived experiences, personal journeys and messages of hope.
People can come for one part of the programme or stay for the whole afternoon and evening. No referral is needed, and people do not need to explain why they are coming.
Wellbeing Walk Horwich
Monday 14 September 2026 | 6:00pm
Meet: Horwich Leisure Centre, BL6 5PY
Distance: Approx. 3 miles
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Intensity: Medium (some slight inclines)
New House Wednesday Walkers
Wednesday 16 September 2026 | 10:30am
New House Farm Car Park, BL2 6HE
1-hour circular walk
Slow to moderate pace
All age groups welcome
Month of Hope Information Event at Bolton Railway Station
Thursday 17 September 2026 | 9:00am to 12:00pm
Bolton Railway Station, Trinity Street, BL2 1BE
6- A side Football Tournament
Friday 18 September 2026 | 10:00am to 12:00pm
Burnden Park 3G Astro Pitches, BL3 2RS
Hosted by: Andrew Farnworth Transforming Lives Group CIC
Bolton Walk of Hope
Monday 21 September 2026 | 12:00pm
Meet: Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RJ
Distance: 1 to 1.5 km
Slow-paced walk
Mainly flat terrain
Lancashire Wildlife Trust Mindful Walk
Thursday 24 September 2026 | 11:00am to 12:30pm
Rock Hall to Knob End
Gentle mindful walk
Some steps involved
Free refreshments afterwards
Community Cycle Ride
Saturday 26 September 2026 | 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Meet outside Bolton Railway Station, BL2 1BE
Route: Bolton Station → Parr Fold Park, Walkden → Return
Approx. 13 miles
Manbassadors Walk
Monday 28 September 2026 | 10:30am
The Hive, Moss Bank Park. BL1 6NB
Approx. 3 miles
Mainly flat with some inclines and steps
Mixed road and off-road terrain
Walking boots recommended
Refreshment stop included
Greater Manchester Farnworth Walk of Hope
Tuesday 29 September 2026 | 1:00pm
Start: Farnworth Library / Farnworth Town Hall BL4 7PG
Route includes Moses Gate Country Park
Distance: Approx. 6 km
Duration: Around 2 hours
Terrain: Mixed road and country trails
Bring a picnic, drinks and snacks
Moss Bank Park Health Walk
Wednesday 30 September 2026 | 1:00pm
Main Car Park, Moss Bank Park BL1 6NB
Distance: Approx. 4 miles
Duration: Around 2 hours
Medium intensity
Unpaved paths, suitable footwear advised
Dogs not permitted
Community Rail Trail Walk
Thursday 1 October 2026 | 1:00pm
Meet at Bolton Railway Station near the Clock Tower
Route: Bolton Station → Hall-i’-th’-Wood Station
Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 2.5 hours
FREE train journey back to Bolton station
The Well Walk – Farnworth
Wednesday 7 October 2026 | 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Trafford Street, Farnworth, BL4 7PQ
30-minute low-intensity walk
Free tea and coffee after the walk
MONTH OF HOPE CLOSING EVENT
Friday 9 October 2026
Venue: To Be Confirmed
Training : Learn to save a life
As part of the campaign, everyone is encouraged to take the free, 30-minute online training from the Zero Suicide Alliance. This training helps build confidence in recognising the signs that someone may be thinking of suicide and how to support them.
There are also tailored modules available for:
- Veterans
- University students
- Autistic people
Every conversation could make a difference. Start the training here
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.
- Zero Suicide Alliance Training – Learn to save a life
- Greater Manchester Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise community mental health crisis drop-in services – these community-based services offer immediate support in a safe environment, a listening ear, crisis management, practical support and a quick referral to a mental health assessment if required. Find a drop-in centre in near you.
