We understand that emotional wellbeing isn't just about mental health. Our approach is person-centred and holistic. We consider your emotional, occupational, physical, social, and intellectual needs and help you develop the skills and confidence you need to effectively manage your own mental wellbeing. We offer a safe and friendly space where you can access a range of therapies, 1-2-1 support, Peer Mentors, educational and social activities. ​

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OUR APPROACH

We treat people with dignity and respect and help them develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to effectively manage their own mental wellbeing.

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

​The 5 Ways to Wellbeing model focuses on:

• Connecting with other people.
• Being physically active.
• Learning new skills.
• Giving to others.
• Paying attention to the present moment (mindfulness). 

With this in mind, the services we run at the centre work to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing Model. You will find opportunities to connect with us in our support groups and social spaces. Physical movement activities through our walking group, gardening, boxercise and chair based exercise classes. Courses and sessions to develop new skills. Journaling, meditation even singing provide opportunities to be present and within the moment.

Your support journey

Step 1: Become a Member and agree a support pathway 
​The first step to accessing our support is to become a Member. At your First Appointment you will meet with a Support Coordinator who will help you decide if you wish to become a Member and if you do, you will agree a Support Pathway together. If you and the Pathway Coordinator agree therapy would help, then you will be put on the waiting list. . 
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Step 2: Explore your options. These can be a singular route or a combination of activities that will support you in your journey. You can do as much or as little as you wish to here at the CLC, we are here to facilitate and provide guidance.

• A series of 1-2-1 support sessions with a Support Coordinator Your Support Pathway will often start with a series of 1-2-1 support sessions from a Support Coordinator. Each session will last around 45 minutes and is designed to support you to create a plan that works for you, offering a supportive space where you will feel listened to and offer guidance around activities that may support you in your wellness journey.

• Counselling and Therapies - We offer a number of therapies here at the Creative Living Centre. Person centred counselling, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Psychodrama Psychotherapy, Holistic Therapy, even Animal Therapy are all taking place at the centre at this time. After a discussion with your Support Coordinator, you can decide if you would like to be referred for one of our therapies.

• Peer Mentoring - ​They will help you access activities and support both within the centre and connect into the local community. Peer mentors are volunteers who have been through training with the CLC with a goal of providing support to members and helping you to achieve personal goals.  These might include getting on a tram and travelling into Manchester, joining a gym or attending an activity at your local Community Centre. 

• Courses, training and learning opportunities - We aim to offer learning opportunities that will meet the needs of our members. For some, this will be around exploring mental health topics and how to manage conditions such as understanding anxiety, breathing techniques and toolkit skills to empower individuals to manage their mental health and wellbeing in a way that works for them. 

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• Support Groups - We have a range of support groups lead by our tea. Bereavement group, Ouch! - Chronic Pain and fatigue support group, Women's group and Men's Group. See our timetable for days and times

• Wellbeing and social inclusion activities - We offer everything from Singing to Bike group, Journaling to Gardening, Arts for all, breakfast club, social spaces to play board games or just to have a cup of tea and a chat. We recognise that the journey to improving mental health and wellbeing is multi-layered. Here at the Creative Living Centre, we work with our members in a holistic person-centred way and see the whole individual. See our timetable for the activities currently on offer​

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Step 3: Periodic reviews with a support co-ordinator 
We appreciate that everyone has different needs and will progress at a different pace, and we are committed to supporting you for as long as you need us. Whatever you journey looks like, our support coordinators will review your progress with you at points in your journey (usually 3, 6, 9 and 12 months). 
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WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU

We want to help people who are ready and committed to working on themselves. We can only help you if you are ready to help yourself. In addition we expect: 

• A commitment to work with us.
• Respect for fellow Members and our staff. 
• Uphold the Member Agreement
• Attendance at all pre-booked sessions or at least 24 hours notice of cancellation. 

We are not a crisis service

We are here to support people as they improve their mental health and wellbeing. We do not offer crisis support. If you are in acute emotional distress or are having thoughts of self-harm and suicide and need to speak to someone immediately, please try the numbers below: 

• Getting Help Line for residents in Bury, Monday to Saturday 8am – 8pm: Call 0161 464 3679​
• Crisis Point, 6:30pm – 1am Weekdays & 3pm-1am weekends – Call 0161 238 514
• Samaritans, 24/7 helpline - Call freephone 116 123 or email [email protected]
• ​SANEline, daily 4.30pm to 10.30pm - Call 0300 304 7000​
• Shout 27/7, free text messaging helpline - Text GMBury to 85258​

In an emergency: 

• ​Contact your General Practitioner (GP), call your nearest NHS Walk-In Centre or go to Accident & Emergency (A&E) at your local hospital. 
• ​If there's an immediate risk of danger to life, you should ring 999.