Breaking the Silence – the charity addressing mental health in Manchester’s seniors

In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, taking care of your mental health has never been more crucial.

Yet, while much attention is given to the mental health needs of younger generations, an often overlooked and equally vulnerable group is older adults.

Addressing this gap is Greater Manchester Mature Minds Matter (MMM), a pioneering community group dedicated to transforming mental health services and support systems for those aged 50 and above.

This group is breaking new ground by ensuring that older adults with lived experiences of mental health issues have a voice in shaping the services they rely on.

A vital mission

“Older people’s mental health is often overlooked,” Sophie Webb explains, who is an Older People’s Mental Health Network Development Worker.

In Greater Manchester alone, over 100,000 older adults are estimated to suffer from serious mental illnesses, with an alarming 51,000 of them not receiving any treatment.

Depression affects more than 60,000 older adults in the region, and the risk of suicide—an often devastating consequence of untreated mental health issues—further diminishes life expectancy.

These grim statistics paint a stark picture, but MMM is dedicated to flipping the narrative.

By creating a supportive and inclusive community, the group aims to create positive change and improve the quality of life for older adults in Greater Manchester.

A unique approach

At the heart of MMM’s efforts is the Community Mental Health Transformation Program, funded by the integrated care partnership and the NHS.

This comprehensive initiative encompasses a wide array of services, including support for eating disorders, suicide prevention, housing crises, and rehabilitation.

The goal is to reevaluate and enhance these services to better meet the needs of the community.

“What sets us apart,” Sophie says, “is our commitment to ensuring that services are created and delivered with real people’s experiences at the core.”

This people-centric approach means that older adults with firsthand experience of mental health issues are actively involved in the transformation process, providing invaluable insights and feedback.

Building a supportive community

MMM is not just about changing systems—it’s about building a community.

The group brings together individuals from across the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, creating a space where they can share their experiences, support one another, and work collectively toward common goals.

“Members have told us that being part of this group helps their minds to keep going,” Sophie shared.

“They’ve made friends, found new interests, and feel a sense of belonging.” This camaraderie and peer support are essential components of MMM’s success, engineering an environment where older adults can thrive.

Innovative projects and initiatives

One of MMM’s standout projects is the “Rhymes from the Wise” initiative, a creative poetry project that encourages older adults to explore themes of mental health through poetry.

Rather than engaging in formal discussions, participants express their thoughts and feelings in a more creative and liberating format.

The project has culminated in the creation of a poetry book, a series of workshops, and even films, all aimed at promoting positive conversations about mental health.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Sophie noted. “It’s different to speak about mental health in a positive way, instead of focusing on the negatives all the time.”

MMM’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Previous work by the Greater Manchester Older People’s Network, which MMM is part of, includes a successful self-harm awareness campaign called “Don’t Brush It Under the Carpet.”

Co-created with older adults and NHS partners, the campaign won awards and garnered widespread recognition, showcasing the impact that such initiatives can have.

Mental health trailblazers

Greater Manchester Mature Minds Matter is trailblazing in more ways than one.

While there has been significant focus on mental health issues among younger populations and minority ethnic groups, older adults have often been left out of the conversation.

MMM is changing that by directly involving older adults in the co-production and co-delivery of mental health services.

“This network is the first of its kind in the country,” Sophie points out.

“We are setting an example for other areas to learn from and follow.”

Looking to the future with MMM

MMM’s innovative approach and commitment to community involvement are already making a difference, but the journey is far from over.

The group continues to welcome new members who are interested in contributing to their mission.

“We don’t have a formal referral process,” Webb explains.

“Anyone with experience of mental health issues who wants to get involved can reach out to us. We’re flexible and open to different engagement styles.”

As MMM continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the mental health landscape of Greater Manchester is set to deepen.

By prioritising the voices and experiences of older adults, the group is not only improving individual lives but also reshaping the broader conversation around mental health care.

A positive outlook

In a world where negative statistics about mental health and life expectancy can often dominate the narrative, Greater Manchester Mature Minds Matter offers hope.

By creating a supportive, inclusive, and proactive community, the group is proving that positive change is possible—even in the face of daunting challenges.

Sophie and her team remain dedicated to their mission, driven by the belief that every older adult deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and happy life.

Through their tireless efforts, MMM is ensuring that mental health support in Greater Manchester is not just a service, but a lifeline for those who need it most.

New research and broader health concerns

Recent research has highlighted additional health challenges facing the North West region, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to health improvement.

A significant focus has been placed on improving housing, air quality, and access to nature and green spaces as critical factors in enhancing the region’s health.

The new campaign by Health Equals, featuring a baby born in Manchester, underscores the stark health inequalities, with newborns in Manchester potentially living 14 years less than in other parts of the UK.

This campaign draws attention to the scandalous life expectancy gap and the urgent need for the new Government to address these inequalities.

According to the research, 48% of adults in the North West want access to more affordable housing, 39% call for better air quality and access to green spaces, and 30% highlight low income as a major health determinant.

The campaign emphasises that improving these building blocks of health is essential for the well-being of the community.

Sophie continued: “Greater Manchester Mature Minds Matter is a group of people aged 50+ across Greater Manchester, using their lived experiences of mental health to influence mental health service transformation across the city region, ensuring that support is age-appropriate and inclusive of older people as their voices are often forgotten.

“We have been running since summer 2022 and contribute to the community mental health transformation in Greater Manchester.

“Older people’s mental health is often overlooked, which is why it’s important to have people with lived experience at the centre of service transformation, to ensure services are being designed with and for them and their communities.

“Our group is helping to improve mental health services across Greater Manchester, and whilst doing this, we are bringing people together, creating a supportive and friendly community.

“One of our members fed back to us: “This kind of group allows me to keep my mind going.”

Community impact and future directions

MMM’s work, alongside broader health campaigns, highlights the importance of community involvement and the impact of socio-economic factors on health.

By addressing these issues, Greater Manchester Mature Minds Matter and allied organisations are paving the way for more equitable and effective healthcare solutions.

Through continued advocacy and innovative initiatives, the Greater Manchester community is striving to ensure that all its members, regardless of age or background, have the opportunity to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

You can find out more about Manchester Mature Minds Matter by clicking here