Welcome to Open Young Minds

Open Young Minds is a confidential young person’s service. We provide support for young people aged 12-21 years old, who have mild to moderate emotional health issues and live in Heywood, Middleton or Rochdale.

As a community mental health service we focus on providing you with the opportunities to develop and grow the skills, knowledge and experiences that allow you to take control of your issues. This is done with the support of a Wellbeing Co-ordinator.

How do you access our service?

To gain access to our services, please complete a referral form. We have two different forms: one for those aged under 18 and one for those 18+.

When we receive your completed form we will contact you (within 2 weeks) and ask you to come in and meet a Wellbeing Co-ordinator so we get a clear understanding of your circumstances and needs.

Your Wellbeing Co-ordinator will guide you through the groups and activities we and other organisations have to offer. They will listen to you and help support you to find techniques and ideas that will benefit your wellbeing. 

• Download referral form for 12 – 17 year olds
• Download referral form for ages 18+
• Fill the form out online here
  To enquire further about the service, please telephone Vikky or Mel on 01706 752357.  

Melanie Tilley: [email protected] or Victoria Russ: [email protected] 

What services do we offer?

One-to-One Sessions

Open Young Minds (12 – 21 years of age)

This is the ‘gateway’ to all our services. Our Wellbeing Co-Ordinators work with young people aged 12 to 21 years of age on a one-to-one basis. We will need you to complete the appropriate referral form, which will also give you access to our other services. For children (12-16) parental consent or permission must be provided. We will offer information and basic education around emotional wellbeing issues to anyone who asks, no matter what their age.

Peer Mentoring Service (12 – 21 years of age)

Peer Mentors are trained and skilled young people/adults who offer ongoing informal support to young people. They provide a non-judgemental listening ear that promotes self-worth and boosts self esteem, confidence and resilience. The Mentoring takes place in pre-arranged public places such as café’s, libraries, cinema etc. Peer mentors are trained in safeguarding. 

Our Group Sessions

The Youth Group  (12 – 21 year olds)

• Meeting time: Every Tuesday 3pm-5pm
• Venue: Mind Wellbeing Centre, Boardroom

Description: A young person lead social group that gives 12-21 year olds the opportunity to come and socialise in a safe place, get support, talk to other young people, make friends and most importantly relax and have fun!

Activities such as crafting, playing games, watching movies, baking and discussing issues.

Young people decide what they would like to do in the group and play an active role in ensuring the group is enjoyable for all. The group is supported by our young person’s worker (they bring the snacks).

Over the past 2 years the Open Young Mind team at Rochdale and District Mind has gotten me through the hardest times of my life. Their service is a constant reminder that you are not alone. I have received the best care and valuable, unbiased advice which has helped me make the best changes in my life. I have nothing bad to say at all. Keep up the good work. It is greatly appreciated.