Drop-In is our longest-running service and sits at the heart of TASFund. It offers a welcoming space to spend time with others, talk about how you’re feeling and find peer support shaped by lived experience of mental health difficulties.
There is no formal agenda or expectation to share your story. Some people come for a brew and a chat; others prefer to listen or simply enjoy being around people. You can join conversations as much or as little as feels comfortable.
Whether you’re having a difficult day, feeling isolated or looking for some company, our team and volunteers are there to listen. If you need different or additional support, they can help you explore other options.
In Someone’s Own Words
“Coming and waiting in the drop in centre is helping me to be around other people.”
You don’t need to have the right words ready. You can start by simply being here.
How Does Drop-In Work?
Simple, Welcoming and at Your Own Pace
Knowing what to expect can make a first visit feel easier. Here is how we welcome you to our Drop-In.
1
Come Along
No referral or appointment is needed. Visit during our Drop-In opening times and come to reception when you arrive. You can contact us beforehand if you have questions.
2
Meet the Team
Our receptionist will welcome you and sign you in. A member of the team will then meet you, explain what happens at Drop-In and answer any questions.
3
Settle In
We’ll show you through, offer you a brew and help you get comfortable. You can chat, listen or simply spend time with others; there is no expectation to share your story.
4
Explore Your Options
If you would like additional support, we can talk through groups, activities and other services. You can explore what interests you without having to decide during your first visit.
Your first visit can simply be a chance to have a brew, meet someone and see how you feel.
The Centre has access limitations, including a step at the entrance and stairs or a stairlift to the first floor. If these may affect your visit, please contact us before travelling to discuss the arrangements.
What Can You Expect?
A Friendly, Informal and Supportive Space
There is room for conversation, company and quieter moments. You can get to know the space and take part in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Friendly Conversations
You can chat with staff, volunteers and other people attending. You are equally welcome to listen while you settle in.
Peer Support
Shared lived experience helps shape our support. We listen to what matters to you, recognising that everyone’s experience is different.
Tea, Coffee & Company
A brew and some company can be a starting point. You don’t have to talk about your mental health to spend time with us.
Signposting & Guidance
If you need different or additional support, our team can help you explore groups, activities and other services.
A Respectful Space
We work to create a welcoming environment where people respect one another’s experiences, choices and boundaries.
Community Connection
Regular visits offer opportunities to get to know people, recognise familiar faces and build relationships over time.
Opening Times
When You Can Visit Us
Our Drop-In runs Monday to Friday, from 1pm to 3pm. Call in for a conversation, a brew or simply some time with others.
Monday
1pm – 3pm
Tuesday
1pm – 3pm
Wednesday
1pm – 3pm
Thursday
1pm – 3pm
Friday
1pm – 3pm
No appointment needed. Come to reception when you arrive, and we’ll help you get settled.
These are Drop-In session times; reception and other services have their own opening hours.
Who Can Attend
Our Drop-In is Open to Adults
Adults aged 18 and over can attend our Drop-In for mental health and wellbeing support. You don’t need a referral, a formal diagnosis or an appointment.
Adults Aged 18+
You might be having a difficult time, feeling isolated or looking for some company. You can come along to explore whether peer support feels helpful for you.
No Diagnosis Needed
You don’t need a formal mental health diagnosis or to be receiving support from another service. You can talk about how you feel in your own words.
Family, Friends & Carers
Supporting someone else can bring its own challenges. You are welcome to ask for information, talk through available support and explore other services that may help.
You don’t have to wait until things feel unmanageable to seek company, understanding or support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Drop-In Support
It is natural to have questions before visiting somewhere new. Select a question below to find out more about our Drop-In and what to expect.
Do I need an appointment?
No. You can come along during our Drop-In opening times without booking. Head to reception when you arrive and we will help you get settled.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can attend directly without going through your GP or another professional.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis?
No. You don’t need a formal diagnosis or to be receiving support from another service. If you would value some company, understanding or support with your mental wellbeing, you are welcome.
Who can attend?
Our Drop-In is for adults aged 18 and over. Family members, friends and carers are also welcome to explore support for themselves or someone they care about.
Is Drop-In free?
Yes. Our Drop-In peer support is free to access. Some separate groups and activities have a small contribution charge; you can ask reception about these before joining.
What happens when I arrive?
Our receptionist will welcome you and sign you in. A member of the team will then meet you, explain how Drop-In works and show you through. We can offer you a brew and help you get comfortable.
Do I have to talk about how I am feeling?
No. There is no expectation to share your story or discuss anything you would rather keep private. You can chat about everyday things, listen or simply spend time around others while you get to know the space.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. If coming with a friend, family member, carer or support worker would help you feel more comfortable, they are welcome to attend with you. You can contact reception beforehand if you would like to talk through your first visit.
What is the Peer Support Charter?
The Peer Support Charter describes principles for supportive relationships between people with shared experiences. These include trust, empathy, equality, respect for diversity, hope and people having a say in their own lives.
We use the Charter in our volunteer induction to explore what good peer support looks like. In practice, this means listening without assuming, valuing what each person brings and supporting your choices rather than telling you how to live.
You don’t need to know the Charter or share the same experiences as someone else to take part.
Is Drop-In counselling or therapy?
No. Drop-In offers informal, non-clinical peer support through listening, shared understanding and time with others. It does not provide counselling, psychotherapy, diagnosis or medical treatment.
You can attend alongside support from other services. If you need something different or additional, our team can help you explore possible options.
Is the Centre wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the Centre is not fully wheelchair accessible. There is a step at the entrance. We have a ramp, but it is not suitable for powered wheelchairs.
Drop-In takes place on the first floor, reached by stairs or a stairlift. The stairlift does not carry a wheelchair; using it requires transferring onto its seat.
We recognise that these limitations prevent some people from attending. Please contact us before travelling so we can explain the arrangements, discuss your needs and explore other support options if the building is not accessible for you.
What do people say about Drop-In?
People’s experiences are personal, but feedback helps us understand what they value. One person described how simply being at the Centre helped them spend time around others:
“Coming and waiting in the drop in centre is helping me to be around other people.”
You can read more feedback and information about our work on Our Impact page.
Is Drop-In a crisis service?
Drop-In offers informal mental health and wellbeing support; it is not an emergency service. If you are distressed, you can tell our team and we can help you explore appropriate support, including SAFE Tameside.
If you need urgent mental health help, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If someone’s life is at risk, or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E.
Your first visit can be a chance to meet someone, have a brew and see how you feel. If you have questions or would like to talk through visiting beforehand, you’re welcome to get in touch.
