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Self Help Support Groups

Our support groups can provide you with the tools you need to get the help you need. Find out more about our groups below. Each group has its own information page which is ran by the group to give you a great insight into what they offer.

Featured Groups

Keeping Grounded for Women

Empowering and improving self-esteem The Keeping Grounded group PROVIDES RESPECT by Giving everyone a chance to be listened to and being sensitive to others. There is prejudice and disturbances are kept to a minimum by keeping phones on silent. PROVIDES SUPPORT by Being there for each other. Offering…

Farnworth Wellbeing Support Group

Why not come along to the Farnworth Wellbeing Support Group Group is currently on hold until further notice. Struggling with mental health issues? Feeling low, worthless, and/or hopeless? Want to improve your mental health and wellbeing but find it hard to get into Bolton Town Centre?…

Craft & Social Group

The craft and social group runs every Monday and is a popular group which appeals to all abilities. It is both an art and craft group and a weekly social group, encouraging communication and socialization with other members. The craft group provides a fun way to meet new people and make friends.

Support from people who have similar experiences.

Our self-help groups are very active and they provide for the needs of different groups of people such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and mindfulness.

Donations & Fundraising

Can you help us raise funds to help people.

Donations

Help Us Today

Donations can help us provide our services to people who need them the most. If you can Donate then please follow the link to our JustGiving page.

Your Letters

Edward

To The MhIST team I want to say thank you for the help I have had through phone consultations with Sam she was a credit to talk to Sam knew I was feeling down, she would put me back on track even when I felt suicidal at times –  Sam… Continue reading this letter...

Read more letters from MhIST's visitors.

Latest News

Anger Managment Groups

As of June 2025 we have started running an Anger Management Group for both Males and Females (Seperate) Next dates for Anger Management: Wednesday 6th August (6 weeks running after this date) Times: Male Group: 10:00AM – 12:00PM Female Group: 12:30PM – 2:30PM Location: Moorland House, 116 Bark… Continue reading this blog post...

MhIST awarded the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark!

We’re delighted to announce that MhIST has been awarded the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark (QPM) from the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi). The QPM is the UK’s only independent quality performance mark for organisations offering independent advocacy; an essential service for people who need support to express their needs… Continue reading this blog post...

Art – How it affects Wellbeing

Finding ways to maintain and improve our mental health is more important than ever. While many of us turn to exercise, meditation, or therapy, there’s another powerful tool that often goes overlooked… Art. Whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpting, or simply doodling, engaging in creative activities can have profound effects on… Continue reading this blog post...

More from the MhIST Blog.

Our Sponsors

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What people are saying about MhIST

MhIST is an excellent place to be a part of. The staff and volunteers are friendly, warm, and accepting. Services offered are accessible free of charge and cater for a diverse range of mental health issues.

MhIST team have helped me so much over the years. I have attended groups. It’s a safe place and friendly.

Been going to some of the groups about a month, met some great people and feeling I’m getting the help needed and good to know I’m not alone.

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Get involved with MhIST

Volunteer with MhIST and help others.

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Frequenty Asked Questions

  • Do I have to live in Bolton to access MhIST’s services?

    Yes and no. Advocacy and Talk Therapy can only be accessed if your Council Tax is paid to the Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council. Self-help groups can be accessed by anyone.

  • What is Zoom?

    Zoom is an internet video conferencing solution, a bit like Facetime or Skype.

    Where do I find the Zoom Client?

    You need the Zoom client on your device to have MhIST internet therapy. From the Zoom homepage, click RESOURCES and then Download Zoom Client, or visit https://zoom.us/download.

    Which Zoom Client Do I need?

    We recommend Zoom Client for Meetings for your PC/ laptop, or the appropriate Zoom App for your tablet or mobile phone available from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

    What devices can I use?

    You can use a personal computer (PC), laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

    Is Zoom secure?

    Zoom is recommended by talking therapy organisations as it uses end-to-end encryption to ensure nobody can intercept your session. It is reportedly more secure than Skype.

    How much does Zoom cost?

    We recommend the free version of Zoom.

    Can I contact my therapist outside session times?

    MhIST is not an emergency service. If you require up-to-date information, urgent assistance or practical support for those impacted by Covid- 19 we recommend that you contact the following sources:

    Bolton NHS & Bolton Council Coronavirus Information

    Greater Manchester Mental Health Coronavirus Guidance

    Healthwatch Bolton – Community Information

    We ask that you do not try to contact your counsellor directly with Zoom or email outside of session times.

    Anything else?

    • Have a play with Zoom before your first session to get comfortable with the controls.
    • Therapy sessions are confidential so you should be in a private space.
    • Sessions typically last 50 minutes so we recommend a setup which you can sit comfortably in front of such as a desktop PC or a laptop or tablet on a flat surface.
    • Try to sit so that you are lit from the front that way your counsellor can see you properly.
    • Ensure there is no background noise and that anyone else in your space knows not to disturb you.
    • You need to be free to focus on yourself for the duration of your session.
    • Have your phone to hand as a backup in case there are unforeseen technical problems.
    • Visit the Zoom FAQ for more help with zoom.
  • Can I phone or email you?

    You can reach us on our contact page or by calling us at 01204 527200

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