You can help MhIST Bolton by Donating via Give as You Live.
Click on the Give as You Live sign to donate.
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
Are you over the age of 18 and would like to socialise in a friendly environment; have a brew and biscuit and hopefully a good time? Come along to the Tea and Talk Social Group. Everybody is welcome. Whether you suffer with isolation, mental health issues, health issues, financial or…
Why not come along to our Autism Group Do you have a NHS diagnosis of Autism? Are you aged 18+, independent and can attend the group without support? If the answer to the above questions is YES, then the Autism group may be for you. The Autism Group runs fortnightly…
Why not come along to theArt for Well-being Group The Art for Well-being group runs every Wednesday and is a popular group which appeals to all abilities.Art is a relaxing and enjoyable activity with therapeutic benefits. The art group provides a fun way to meet new people and make friends.Each…
Our Other Groups
- Anxiety, Depression, & Self Esteem Group
- Anxiety, Depression, & Well-being (AM)
- Anxiety, Depression, & Well-being (PM)
- Art for Well-being
- Autism Group
- Bounce Back
- Craft & Social Group
- Directions for Men
- Farnworth Wellbeing Support Group
- Keeping Grounded for Women
- Member’s Saturday Social Group
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Social Chat and Wellbeing
- Tea and Talk Social Group
- Welcome to the Digital World Group
- Westhoughton Wellbeing Support Group (Wed)
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.
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
Read more letters from MhIST's visitors.
Latest News
More from the MhIST Blog.
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What people are saying about MhIST
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.
MhIST team have helped me so much over the years. I have attended groups. It’s a safe place and friendly.
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.
Frequenty Asked Questions
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How do I refer someone to your service?
It depends on which service is required. Advocacy and Self Help Groups can be accessed by contacting the office on 01204 527200. Talk Therapy can be accessed by first ringing 1point on 01204 917744 and stating that MhIST should be the required provider of Talk Therapy.
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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.
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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.
Looking for help?
