Urgent Mental Health Support in Tameside
SAFE Tameside
Immediate, non-clinical emotional support for adults experiencing mental distress, crisis, or feeling unable to cope.
A safe, welcoming space where you can talk through what is happening, access support in the moment, and take things at your own pace.
Need Support Today?
Book or Walk In
Monday to Friday
1:00pm – 8:00pm
Last walk-in or bookable appointment is 7:00pm at The Anthony Seddon Centre.
Saturday and Bank Holidays
10:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday and bank holiday support is delivered at Finding Rainbows.
What is SAFE Tameside?
Immediate emotional support when you need it
SAFE Tameside offers immediate, non-clinical emotional support for adults experiencing mental distress, crisis, or feeling unable to cope.
A Safe Space
SAFE provides a calm and welcoming place where you can talk through what is happening and access support in the moment.
Non-Clinical Support
The service is designed to offer emotional support, practical guidance and signposting in a relaxed, non-judgemental environment.
Support in the Moment
You can access support for how you are feeling now, whether things have built up over time or something has happened suddenly.
You do not need to have everything worked out before contacting SAFE. If you are struggling, overwhelmed, distressed or unsure what to do next, SAFE can help you talk things through.
Who Can Access SAFE?
Support for adults in Tameside
SAFE Tameside is available for adults aged 18 and over who are experiencing mental distress, crisis, or feel they need urgent emotional support.
Adults Aged 18+
SAFE is for adults aged 18 and over who need immediate emotional or mental health support.
No Diagnosis Needed
You do not need a formal mental health diagnosis to access support. If you are struggling, you can contact SAFE.
For You or Someone Else
You can access SAFE for yourself, or contact the service if you are worried about a family member, friend, colleague or someone you support.
You do not need a referral to access SAFE Tameside. Appointments are recommended where possible, but the service will always try to support walk-ins when capacity allows.
Opening Times & Locations
Where and when to access SAFE
SAFE Tameside operates from two community locations across the week. Appointments are recommended where possible, but walk-ins are welcomed when capacity allows.
Monday to Friday
1:00pm – 8:00pm
The Anthony Seddon Centre
12 George Street
Ashton-under-Lyne
OL6 6AQ
The last walk-in or bookable appointment is 7:00pm.
Saturday & Bank Holidays
10:00am – 3:00pm
Finding Rainbows
9 Fletcher Street
1st Floor
Ashton-under-Lyne
OL6 6BY
Weekend and bank holiday support is delivered at Finding Rainbows in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Find Us
Our Locations
The Anthony Seddon Centre
Finding Rainbows
You can book an appointment by calling 0161 470 6104, but you do not need a referral to access SAFE Tameside.
What to Expect
Taking the first step can feel difficult
SAFE Tameside is designed to feel calm, welcoming and non-judgemental. You can take things at your own pace and talk as much or as little as feels right for you.
Make Contact
You can call SAFE to book an appointment or ask about availability. Walk-ins are supported where capacity allows.
Arrive and Settle In
A member of the team will welcome you and help you settle into the space before talking through what support may be helpful.
Talk Things Through
You can talk about what has been happening, how you are feeling and what feels most difficult in the moment.
Explore Options
The team can help you think through coping strategies, support options, next steps and any services that may be useful.
Leave With a Plan
Before you leave, staff can help you identify what might help next, including support you can access after your visit.
There is no right or wrong way to access SAFE. The service is there to listen, support you in the moment and help you take the next step.
Book or Walk In
How to access SAFE Tameside
You do not need a referral to access SAFE Tameside. Appointments are recommended where possible, but walk-ins are welcomed when capacity allows.
Book an Appointment
Calling ahead can help the team check availability, talk through what you need and arrange a time for you to attend.
Walk In
You can attend without an appointment during opening times. The team will do their best to support you, depending on capacity at the time.
No Referral Needed
You can contact SAFE yourself. You do not need to be referred by a GP, professional or another service.
Call Before Attending
Appointments are recommended where possible, especially later in the day, so the team can confirm availability.
Worried About Someone Else?
You can contact SAFE for advice if you are worried about a family member, friend, colleague or someone you support.
If you are unsure whether SAFE is the right service, you can still call 0161 470 6104 and the team can help you think through your options.
When SAFE May Not Be Right
Finding the right support for your situation
SAFE Tameside offers immediate emotional support, but there may be times when another service is more appropriate, especially if urgent medical help or specialist support is needed.
SAFE May Be Right If You Need
- Someone to talk to in the moment
- Support with emotional distress
- Help when you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope
- A calm, safe and supportive space
- Practical guidance and signposting
- Support with suicidal thoughts where there is no immediate medical emergency
Another Service May Be Needed If
- There is an immediate risk to life
- Someone has seriously injured themselves
- Someone has taken an overdose
- Urgent medical treatment is needed
- There is a serious physical health concern
- A person is under 18 and needs specialist young person support
If there is immediate danger
Call 999 straight away if there is an immediate risk to life, serious injury, overdose, or urgent medical need.
If you need urgent mental health advice
Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option if urgent mental health support is needed but there is no immediate danger to life.
If you need someone to listen at any time
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for anyone who needs someone to listen.
If the person is under 18
SAFE Tameside is for adults aged 18 and over. If someone under 18 needs urgent support, contact NHS 111 Mental Health, speak to a trusted adult, or contact Papyrus HOPELINE247 for young suicide prevention support.
If you are unsure whether SAFE is the right service, you can still call 0161 470 6104 and the team can help you think through your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about SAFE Tameside
Here are some common questions people ask before accessing SAFE Tameside. Click each question to view the answer.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can contact SAFE Tameside directly and do not need a referral from your GP, mental health team or any other professional.
Do I need to book an appointment?
Appointments are recommended where possible, but walk-ins are welcomed when capacity allows. Calling ahead can help us advise on availability.
How much does SAFE Tameside cost?
SAFE Tameside is completely free to access.
Who can use SAFE Tameside?
SAFE Tameside is available to adults aged 18 and over who live in Tameside and are experiencing emotional distress, mental health difficulties or crisis.
Can I attend if I am having suicidal thoughts?
Yes. SAFE Tameside supports people experiencing suicidal thoughts and emotional crisis. If there is an immediate risk to life or urgent medical need, call 999 or attend A&E.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. You are welcome to attend with a friend, family member, carer or another trusted person if that helps you feel more comfortable.
What happens when I arrive?
A member of the team will welcome you, explain how the service works and provide an opportunity to talk about what is happening for you in a safe and supportive environment.
How long can I stay?
The amount of time varies depending on individual circumstances and service demand. The team will work with you to ensure you receive appropriate support.
Is SAFE Tameside confidential?
SAFE Tameside respects your privacy and information is treated confidentially. There may be occasions where information must be shared if there are serious concerns about your safety or the safety of somebody else.
What if SAFE Tameside is not the right service for me?
The team will do their best to help you access the most appropriate support and can provide information about other services that may better meet your needs.
Need Support?
SAFE Tameside Is Here To Help
If you are experiencing emotional distress, struggling with your mental health, or feel you need support right now, SAFE Tameside provides a welcoming, non-judgemental space where you can talk things through and access support in the moment.
Immediate danger or urgent medical emergency?
Call 999 immediately or attend your nearest Accident & Emergency department.