Change Grow Live Manchester

02/02/2026

🌤️ Happy Groundhog Day! 🇺🇸🐾

Today is Groundhog Day, a long‑standing American tradition where a groundhog pops out of its burrow to “predict” the weather.

👉 If it sees its shadow: six more weeks of winter
👉 If not: spring is on the way

It’s a bit of fun — but it also reminds us of something important:
change is possible, even when life feels repetitive or stuck.

🐾 What Groundhog Day Can Teach Us About Recovery

🌱 Recovery isn’t a straight line
Just like the groundhog’s small steps out into the light, progress in recovery often happens gradually. Some days feel the same as the day before — and that’s okay. Every step counts.

🛡️ Harm reduction keeps people safe while change takes shape
You don’t need to have everything “perfect” to make safer choices today. Harm reduction is about support, safety, and meeting people where they are.

💚 Kindness and support break cycles
Much like in the Groundhog Day film, things start to change when compassion, patience and understanding come first — not pressure.

🤝 No one has to face recovery alone
Whether someone is cutting down, staying safer, or working towards full recovery, every positive action deserves recognition.

🌤️ A Groundhog Day Message for Today

Take a moment — just like the groundhog — to look around, notice your progress, and remember that change is always possible, even if it feels slow or subtle.

If you or someone you support needs harm‑reduction advice, a safe space to talk, or help with next steps, we’re here. 💚

30/01/2026

🌟 Amazing Training Opportunity from Our Colleagues at Eclypse! 💨💡

Are you a professional working in Manchester who’d like to learn more about young people, va**ng, harm reduction, and youth culture?

Our brilliant colleagues at Eclypse Young People’s Service, in partnership with Public Health Manchester, are delivering a free, informative, and interactive online session — and it’s not to be missed!

Young people’s va**ng continues to rise across the city, and this training gives you the knowledge, confidence, and tools to offer the right support at the right time.

📣 Are you a professional working in Manchester?

Would you like to learn more about young people, va**ng, and harm reduction? 💨💡

We’re seeing more young people across Manchester using vapes — and the latest research shows this trend isn’t slowing down. To support professionals working with under‑18s, Eclypse, in partnership with Public Health Manchester, has created a brand‑new FREE online training session.

🗓️ Online Training Event Details
📆 Date: Monday 3rd February
⏰ Time: 12:30pm – 2:30pm
💻 Delivered via: Microsoft Teams
🎟️ Book your free place here:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1553199534619?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔍 What the training covers

Gain essential knowledge around:
✨ Young people & va**ng trends
✨ Health risks, harms and misconceptions
✨ Youth culture & influences
✨ Harm‑reduction approaches
✨ How to give brief advice & support

📚 What you’ll receive

All attendees will also receive:

A resource library for use with young people
Practical harm‑reduction tools
A new Va**ng Screening Tool to help assess risk and identify when a referral to Eclypse is needed

**ngAwareness

30/01/2026

Roles close for application on February 20th, so there's plenty of time to apply 😁

Make a difference by supporting people to change their lives for the better.

If your New Year’s resolution is to make a difference in your local community or volunteer, we have a wide range of roles available in our services. Whether you’re working full time, are studying, or retired, most of our volunteering roles have flexible hours to suit you.

As part of your role, you might:

- Greet people at our services and make them feel welcome
- Run social groups and activities
- Support people through training, coaching or just listening
- Carry out admin tasks such as organising records

Take a look at the opportunities we have available

https://volunteers-changegrowlive.icims.com/jobs/intro?hashed=-626005074&mobile=false&width=1199&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=0&jun1offset=60

30/01/2026

🌱 Today is Parent Mental Health Day 🌱

Parenting can be challenging—and when drugs or alcohol are involved, stress can feel overwhelming. Looking after your mental health is just as important as caring for your family.

💡 Did you know? Getting support for drug or alcohol use can improve your mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and help you feel more in control. Recovery isn’t just about stopping—it’s about building a healthier, happier life for you and your children.

💬 Need help? We offer free, confidential advice and support for parents. Visit us at any of our bases—we’re here to help.

📞 UK Support Helplines:
• NHS 111 – Medical advice
• Samaritans: 116 123 – 24/7 emotional support
• National Drugs Helpline: 0300 123 6600
• Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 9177 650
🚨 In crisis? Call 999 or visit A&E

Your mental health matters. Your family matters. Let’s take the first step together. 💖

29/01/2026

🌟 Thinking About Quitting Smoking? Here's Some Inspiration! 🌟
We’ve been checking out the incredible feedback coming in for our colleagues at Be Smoke Free Manchester — people are sharing how supportive, understanding and motivating the team have been on their quit journey. 💜

It’s amazing to see how much of a difference the right support can make.

If you’re thinking about giving up smoking, did you know your Recovery Worker can help you make a referral to Be Smoke Free Manchester? You don’t have to do it on your own — support is right here when you’re ready.

25/01/2026

🔄 Happy Opposite Day!

Today’s the day we flip things around—but when it comes to drug and alcohol use, there’s one thing we won’t reverse: our commitment to harm reduction.

Instead of judgment, we choose compassion.
Instead of stigma, we choose support.
Instead of ignoring the risks, we choose evidence-based care.

Harm reduction isn’t about saying “do the opposite”—it’s about meeting people where they are and helping them stay safe, healthy, and empowered.

✅ Safer choices save lives.
✅ Every step toward health matters.
✅ Recovery is possible—and it starts with understanding.

If you need support reach out, we are here to Help!

Let’s keep turning stigma on its head and championing approaches that work for everyone. 💙

21/01/2026

🎉 Day 21 of Dry January – You’re Bossing It! 🎉

Three weeks alcohol-free can bring amazing benefits:
✅ Better sleep
✅ Improved mood and mental clarity
✅ Boosted energy and fitness
✅ Healthier liver and body
✅ Extra money saved

You’ve come this far—keep going strong!

💡 Harm Reduction Advice:

If you’re cutting down or stopping drinking, do it safely.
Heavy drinker? Reduce gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Feeling unwell or shaky? Seek medical advice immediately.

🤝 Need Support?
CGL (Change Grow Live) offers free, confidential help for anyone looking to reduce or stop drinking.

👉 Find your local service: www.changegrowlive.org
📞 Or speak to your GP for guidance.

📲 Track your progress with the Try Dry® app and celebrate your success!

20/01/2026

🌟 Want to learn more about the support Change Grow Live provides in Manchester?

Join us tomorrow - 21st January, for an informative and interactive session designed to give professionals a clear understanding of the support available across Manchester.

📅 Book your free place here:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-introduction-to-change-grow-live-for-partner-organisations-tickets-1977371506405?aff=oddtdtcreator
________________________________________
🔎 What you’ll learn:

✨ Who Change Grow Live Manchester are
An overview of our service, specialist teams, and the people we support.

✨ How our teams work together
Discover how our outreach, young peoples, and family teams collaborate to provide holistic, person centred support.

✨ The service user journey
What support looks like from first contact all the way through psychosocial interventions.

✨ How we work in partnership
Including subcontracted services such as Emerging Futures, ACORN and LGBT Foundation, and how multi agency working helps us meet complex needs.

✨ Referral guidance
Clear information on how to refer and how we can support the people you work with.
________________________________________
👥 Who should attend?
Perfect for professionals working in:
• Social care
• Probation
• Homelessness and housing
• Night time economy
• Health & community services

Also ideal for students, volunteers, or anyone interested in understanding the drug and alcohol support pathway.

We’d love to see you there! 💬💚

19/01/2026

💙 Blue Monday Reminder 💙

Whether or not one day can truly be “bluer” than another, Blue Monday is a cultural nudge to take mental health seriously. Depression, anxiety, and burnout don’t follow the calendar—but winter can be tough. For some, it’s seasonal affective disorder (SAD). For others, financial stress, social isolation, or the post-holiday slump.

Blue Monday isn’t about labelling a bad day—it’s about acknowledging that emotional lows deserve attention. It’s a reminder to ask, listen, and act with empathy—not just today, but every day.

✅ How to Cope:
• Connect with someone
• Move your body
• Limit negative input
• Create structure
• Be kind to yourself

📞 UK Support Helplines:
• NHS 111 – Medical advice
• Samaritans: 116 123 – 24/7 emotional support
• National Drugs Helpline: 0300 123 6600
• Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 9177 650
🚨 In crisis? Call 999 or visit A&E

You’re not alone—support is always available. We are here to help, reach out if you need support.💙

16/01/2026

Winter can be challenging, especially when the days are short, cold, and, in typical Manchester fashion, rainy. However, there are simple ways to lift your spirits during the colder months.

✅Get Outside: Make the most of natural daylight by taking walks during the day. Even a brief stroll in the park can boost your mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.

✅Create Cosy Spaces: Rearrange your home to make it feel warmer and more inviting. Blankets, candles, or even string lights can create a comforting atmosphere without breaking the bank.

✅Stay Active: Exercise is a proven mood booster. Try free workout videos online or take advantage of local community centres offering classes.

✅Engage in the Community: Come along to some of the great things we have on offer! This will get you out of the house, and you might even learn something new.

15/01/2026

We’re halfway through Dry January!

Whether you’re trying to stop completely or just reduce the amount you’re drinking, reaching the halfway point is a big achievement 🌟

If you’ve been taking part in Dry January, have you noticed any changes to yourself, your life or your relationships?

Let us know in the comments 👇

Alcohol Change UK Dry January