The Bury man, who is only sharing his name as Greg, from Bury, reached breaking point after being robbed while working as a pub landlord.

He said the trauma was something that stayed with him and he ‘didn’t know how to deal with it’.

Greg is now receiving support from the Bury Living Well Service, which brings together professionals from across health, social care, and the voluntary sector to deliver joined-up mental health support for adults with complex needs.

He said: “I’ve always been outgoing, but I learned early on to push things to the back of my mind.

“That experience changed me. I didn’t feel like the same person. The trauma stayed with me.”

In 2015, his wife died, leaving him to care for their young son while also managing his own grief.

The 54-year-old said: “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about her, and I’ll always love her.

“I haven’t had another relationship since, I’ve just not felt ready.”

He has also struggled with chronic pain from a herniated disc, but said his priority is waiting until his son is older before considering surgery.

His mental health deteriorated further after losing his job and driving licence due to a driving offence, and following an incident in which a neighbour threatened him with an axe.

Greg said: “I felt my life had fallen apart and I’d lost everything.

“I lost my job and driving licence due to a driving offence.

“Not long after, a neighbour came at me with an axe, completely unprovoked. It was frightening and pushed me over the edge.

“I felt my life had fallen apart and I’d lost everything.”

Greg was referred to senior mental health practitioner Fiona Bailey by his GP.

Mental health practitioner Fiona Bailey (Image: Supplied)

Ms Bailey said: “When I first met Greg, he was neglecting himself, completely despondent and at breaking point.

“Over time, I saw a funny, upbeat, and resilient man emerge, who wasn’t prepared to give up.”

Launched on October 1, 2024, the service has already received 7,556 referrals.

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It is a partnership between Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Bury Council, and organisations including Early Break, The Creative Living Centre, and BIG in Mental Health.

Greg said he now feels more positive about the future. 

He said:  “I feel more positive, but I still have ups and downs. I want to get back into work as soon as I can and move to a better neighbourhood.

“Fiona still checks in, and just knowing someone’s there to help gives me hope for the future.”