COVID-19 Situation
In light of the current Covid-19 situation, MhIST would like to state that we are now open after putting into practice remote ways of working. We are able to deal with enquiries, accept new members, and offer support where possible. See more here.
MhIST | Mental Health Independent Support Team
What we do
We aim to support people in a positive environment where YOU can achieve what you need to do. Our services and groups are free to use, but you do need an appointment in the first instance.
Support-Groups, Volunteering, Fundraising, Talk Therapy and Advocacy
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.
Self Help Support Groups
Our support groups can provide you with all the tools you need to get the help you need, find out more about our groups below. Each group has it's own information page which is ran by the group to give you a great insight into what they offer.
Featured Groups
All face-to-face groups are temporarily suspended. However, we are still recording interest in the groups and have set up WhatsApp groups where possible. Call Christine Makinson at MhIST on 01204 527200 for further information.
All face-to-face groups are temporarily suspended. However, we are still recording interest in the groups and have set up WhatsApp groups where possible. Call Christine Makinson at MhIST on 01204 527200 for further information.
All face-to-face groups are temporarily suspended. However, we are still recording interest in the groups and have set up WhatsApp groups where possible. Call Christine Makinson at MhIST on 01204 527200 for further information.
Our Other Groups
- Afternoon Westhoughton Mental Health and Wellbeing Group
- Autism Group
- Body and Mind Self-help Group
- Craft & Social Group
- Depression Recovery
- Depression, Anxiety & Self Esteem Group
- Depression, Anxiety & Well-being
- Evening Westhoughton Mental Health and Wellbeing Group
- Furniture Upcycling
- Guitar Group
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Recreation and Activities
- Upcycling
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
Visitor Letter
You gave me so much help by listening and supplying me with the relevant information an I am so grateful for that even after the assessment you couldn't take the counselling further as I was focused on my future plans and seemed to be aware of life's values. Continue reading this letter...
Read more letters from MhIST's visitors.
Latest News
More from the MhIST Blog.
Our Sponsors
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.
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.
Frequenty Asked Questions
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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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Can I just turn up at MhIST’s doorstep to use the services if I have never been before?
No, an initial appointment is needed first before using any of our services. This is to ensure that we provide the best possible help we can. If you turn up with out an appointment then our administration team will take your contact details and the nature of your enquiry. These details will then be passed onto the relevant team. However, if you require talk therapy you will be signposted to 1point as detailed here.
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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?
