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People in Salford suffering from mental health issues this winter have been urged to reach out for help and support from the NHS. <\/strong><\/p>\n The NHS outlined where in the city people can access support if needed, at a time when shorter days and longer nights can affect mood, and colder weather brings an increase in coughs, colds, and flu.<\/p>\n And Mental health clinicians at Greater Manchester Mental Health and Pennine Care NHS foundation trusts have shared their top tips to keep the winter blues at bay.<\/p>\n Dr Dale Huey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) said: \u201cAs temperatures outside drop and darker nights (and mornings!) draw in, we can find ourselves struggling with motivation.<\/p>\n \u201cDaily tasks and self-care may feel more of a chore than usual. Try to keep a routine \u2013 a regular sleep schedule and balanced nutrition can make a big difference to how you feel.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you can, get outside during daylight hours. Natural light helps regulate your body clock and can boost your mood.<\/p>\n \u201cSimple mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or guided meditations can also help to reduce stress and improve emotional balance.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can do them pretty much anywhere and anytime, but if you struggle with sleep, they can be particularly beneficial to help you unwind before bed. You can find some really useful guides on the Every Mind Matters website.<\/p>\n \u201cPlanning ahead, for example batch-cooking your favourite meal to defrost later, or setting an alarm for a dedicated screen-free hour before bed, can make incorporating these activities into your day a little easier.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Jayne Taylor, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust (Pennine Care) added: \u201cWinter can feel isolating, particularly when darker evenings and cold weather make it tempting to withdraw from others. However, staying connected \u2013 even in small ways \u2013 is one of the most protective things we can do for our mental health.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d encourage people to be intentional about maintaining contact with others, whether that\u2019s a phone call, a message, or meeting for a walk.<\/p>\n \u201cPhysical activity and time outdoors, even in winter, can genuinely help our mood. And if you\u2019re finding things difficult, please reach out for support \u2013 whether that\u2019s to someone you trust or to professional services. Asking for support from others can make a real difference.\u201d<\/p>\n If you need urgent mental health support, for example if you feel mentally unsafe or severely distressed, you can quickly and easily access support by calling NHS 111 and select mental health option 2. It\u2019s available for all ages, 24\/7, free of charge and you can call for yourself or someone else.<\/p>\n NHS 111 is a national service, however, when you call NHS 111 and select mental health option 2, you\u2019ll be connected to your local team. A trained mental health practitioner will listen and help you get the urgent support you need.<\/p>\n With your permission, the mental health practitioner can offer advice over the phone, and put you in contact with the best services to meet your needs.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Photo-by-Jan-Corba-on-Unsplash-1.jpg\")
People in Salford urged to seek mental health support as winter sets in.<\/p>\n