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
Time Together: Service of Reflection
Sunday 6 September 2026 | 2:00 -3:30pm
Venue: Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester, M3 1SX
A space of calm and comfort to remember loved ones in the company of others bereaved by suicide. The service will include music, poems and testimonials and the Sing Their Name Choir will also be contributing to the event. To find out more and book your free place, visit Time Together Service 2026 – Shining a Light on Suicide.
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: 1.5–2 hours
Terrain: Mostly flat country trails
Please note that some country paths may not be suitable for wheelchairs or prams. Feel free to bring a picnic, drinks and snacks.
Contact: Marc.Lowden@gmmh.nhs.uk
Month of Hope Opening Event
Thursday 10 September 2026 | 10:00–2:00pm
Location: Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RU (opposite Bolton Town Hall)
- Meet local support organisations
- Advice, guidance and signposting
- Wellbeing conversations hosted by Manbassadors and Samaritans
Contact: Edward.Kavanagh@bolton.gov.uk
Bury Suicide Prevention Day Vigil
Thursday 10 September 2026 | 6:00–7:30pm
This vigil will take place in memory of the lives lost to suicide.
Meeting point: Kay Gardens, Bury
The memory walk will start at 6:00pm from Kay Gardens and finish at the memorial stone in front of Castle Leisure Centre.
Contact: Rebecca Jackson via email- info@thebigfandango.com
Candlelight Vigil
Thursday 10 September 2026 | 6:00–7:30pm
Location: Salford Museum and Art Gallery
The vigil will be followed by refreshments in the Museum café.
Representatives from local suicide bereavement charities will be available to offer support.
The event will include contributions from speakers and local poets, along with music from local artists and choirs. It will culminate in a flag parade, candle-lit vigil and minute’s silence.
An evening of reflection, celebration and remembrance.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Pop-Up Event
Friday 11 September 2026 | 10:00–12:00pm
Location: House of Books & Friends
This free Bereavement Pop-Up Event coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of suicide prevention, mental health support and breaking the stigma.
Join us to:
- Learn about bereavement and suicide bereavement
- Connect with others
- Hear about the service and speak to a practitioner for help or advice
Everyone is welcome.
Registration: Free registration via Eventbrite.
To find out more about the Greater Manchester Bereavement Service, visit their website.
Hopeful Horizon Winter – Jak’s World
Starts Monday 14 September 2026 | 4:00–8:30pm
Location: St Clement’s Community Hall, Ordsall
Jak’s World will offer an extended programme every Monday from 4:00pm–8:30pm, running until 29 March 2027.
Each Monday will include:
- 4:00pm – Creative session: Different activities and themes throughout the programme
- 6:00pm – Community meal: A warm meal and an opportunity to sit, eat and connect with others
- 7:30pm – Relaxation session
From January, creative sessions will be replaced by 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: Approximately 3 miles
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Intensity: Medium, with some slight inclines
Contact: berrytracy04@gmail.com
New House Wednesday Walkers
Wednesday 16 September 2026 | 10:30am
Meet: New House Farm Car Park, BL2 6HE
Distance: 1-hour circular walk
Pace: Slow to moderate
All age groups welcome.
Contact: Edward.Kavanagh@bolton.gov.uk
Month of Hope Information Event – Bolton Railway Station
Thursday 17 September 2026 | 9:00–12:00pm
Location: Bolton Railway Station, Trinity Street, BL2 1BE
6-a-Side Football Tournament
Friday 18 September 2026 | 10:00–12:00pm
Location: Burnden Park 3G Astro Pitches, BL3 2RS
Hosted by: Andrew Farnworth, Transforming Lives Group CIC
Contact: Andyfarny1@gmail.com
Bolton Walk of Hope
Monday 21 September 2026 | 12:00pm
Meet: Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RJ
Distance: 1–1.5km
Pace: Slow-paced walk
Terrain: Mainly flat
Contact: Edward.Kavanagh@bolton.gov.uk
Lancashire Wildlife Trust Mindful Walk
Thursday 24 September 2026 | 11:00–12:30pm
Route: Rock Hall to Knob End
A gentle mindful walk with some steps involved.
Free refreshments will be available afterwards.
Contact: swhittle@lancswt.org.uk
Community Cycle Ride
Saturday 26 September 2026 | 2:00–5:00pm
Meet: Outside Bolton Railway Station, BL2 1BE
Route: Bolton Station → Parr Fold Park, Walkden → Return
Distance: Approximately 13 miles
Contact: selcrp@phonecoop.coop
Manbassadors Walk
Monday 28 September 2026 | 10:30am
Meet: The Hive, Moss Bank Park, BL1 6NB
Distance: Approximately 3 miles
Terrain: Mainly flat, with some inclines and steps
Route: Mixed road and off-road terrain
Walking boots are recommended.
Refreshment stop included.
Contact: Rowan.Ardill@beonehomes.com
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: Approximately 6km
Duration: Around 2 hours
Terrain: Mixed road and country trails
Bring a picnic, drinks and snacks.
Contact: Marc.Lowden@gmmh.nhs.uk
Moss Bank Park Health Walk
Wednesday 30 September 2026 | 1:00pm
Meet: Main Car Park, Moss Bank Park, BL1 6NB
Distance: Approximately 4 miles
Duration: Around 2 hours
Intensity: Medium
Unpaved paths — suitable footwear is advised.
Dogs are not permitted.
Contact: roger.marks1@btinternet.com
Community Rail Trail Walk
Thursday 1 October 2026 | 1:00pm
Meet: Bolton Railway Station, near the Clock Tower
Route: Bolton Station → Hall-i’-th’-Wood Station
Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 2.5 hours
A free train journey back to Bolton station is included.
Contact: selcrp@phonecoop.coop
Broken Chords Performance
Saturday 3 October 2026 | 3pm
Venue: Stretford Public Hall, M32 OLG
A performance of Broken Chords, a musical story of life, love, loss and connection. When Stuart and Kirstie lost their son without warning, they turned to music. Picking up guitars, they began starting songs as a way to keep breathing, keep talking and keep going. To find out more and book your free ticket, visit Broken Chords Performance – Shining a Light on Suicide.
The Well Walk – Farnworth
Wednesday 7 October 2026 | 12:00–1:00pm
Location: Trafford Street, Farnworth, BL4 7PQ
Distance: 30-minute low-intensity walk
Free tea and coffee will be available after the walk.
Contact: Dilni@farnworthbaptist.org.uk
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.
