Once Upon a Smile (Manchester office)
A dedicated Greater Manchester charity base providing child-centred bereavement support, counselling and creative memory-making programmes in a compassionate, private setting.
Once Upon a Smile is a Greater Manchester charity offering bereavement support, creative programmes and family-centred services for children and young people affected by loss, based at premises on Deansgate in central Manchester. The organisation combines counselling, group activities and practical guidance to help families navigate grief and create memory-making opportunities in a compassionate setting.
A brief summary to Once Upon a Smile
- 62-66 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2EN, GB
- +441617110339
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Appointments and support sessions are arranged in advance; contact the charity to book rather than dropping in unannounced.
- The office environment is designed for privacy—expect discreet reception and quiet waiting areas to protect confidentiality.
- If attending with a child, mention any special needs or triggers when booking so staff can prepare an appropriate room and materials.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Public tram and walk
Metrolink tram to the central Deansgate-Castlefield stop, then a flat urban walk of approximately 7–12 minutes depending on which exit is used; service frequency typically every 6–12 minutes. Expect busy pedestrian streets at peak hours and limited on-street parking; no extra fare beyond standard tram ticket (approximate single fare band within city centre: £1.60–£2.50).
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Bus and short walk
Frequent city buses serve major roads near Deansgate; combined bus and short flat walk usually takes 10–20 minutes from central interchange points depending on route. Buses in Manchester charge on-board/contactless fares typically around £1.80–£2.50 single within city limits; check service frequency as some routes reduce evenings and Sundays.
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Taxi or rideshare
Black cab or app-based rideshare to Deansgate address takes 8–20 minutes from nearby central locations depending on traffic; fares typically range £4–£12 within central Manchester. Taxis drop off at street level; note that city-centre traffic and event days can increase journey times and fares.
Once Upon a Smile location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Once Upon a Smile
Origins and purpose of the charity
Once Upon a Smile began as a local charity devoted to supporting children and families through bereavement and loss, growing into an organisation that offers tailored emotional support across Greater Manchester. The Manchester office functions primarily as an administrative and meeting base where counsellors, family-support workers and programme coordinators plan services, run small-group activities and manage outreach to schools and community partners.What you’ll find at the Deansgate location
The Deansgate premises are compact and practical rather than a large visitor attraction; expect ordinary office rooms, therapy spaces and small group rooms arranged to feel welcoming and non-clinical. Soft furnishings, toys and craft materials are used in counselling rooms designed for children. Painted walls, noticeboards with activity information and discreet branding mark the entrance rather than overt signage, so the site reads as a working charity base rather than a tourist site.Services and programme character
Services here focus on one-to-one bereavement counselling, child-focused creative workshops, memory-making sessions and family support to navigate practical matters after a loss. Activities frequently combine creative play, art and storytelling techniques so children can express feelings safely. Staff training, volunteer coordination and fundraising planning also happen from this office, which keeps the charity’s community-facing programmes running smoothly.Atmosphere and visitor experience
The atmosphere inside is quietly compassionate and intentionally low-key: the design choices favour warmth and safety over spectacle. You may notice small, age-appropriate toys, boxes of art materials and softly lit rooms intended to make young visitors and their carers feel at ease. Because confidentiality is central to the work, interactions are discreet and reception areas are designed for privacy rather than for tours or public display.Community role and local connections
Once Upon a Smile acts as a hub for bereavement support across Greater Manchester, collaborating with schools, hospitals and other charities to reach families who need services. Fundraising events and seasonal campaigns are coordinated here, and staff regularly liaise with volunteers and community partners to expand access to age-appropriate counselling and group programmes for children.Practical notes about visiting the office
The Deansgate address is primarily a working office for scheduled appointments, meetings and programme activity; spontaneous visits are not the focus. Appointments and sessions are arranged in advance to ensure privacy and to match the right support worker with the family’s needs. The site’s compact urban setting means it sits amid offices and retail on a busy city street rather than in a campus-like location.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Undamaged Red Post Box
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Dalton Entry
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Mulberry Passage
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John Bright Statue
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A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Albert Memorial
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A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Manchester City Council
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Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Robert Owen Statue
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Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
St. Peter's Square
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Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Free Trade Hall
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Connaught Building
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Arch of Chinatown
0.7 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.7 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.8 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Canada House, Manchester
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Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
0.8 km
Discover excitement and teamwork at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience in Manchester, a unique attraction filled with thrilling challenges and immersive fun.
Unmissable attractions to see
Barton Arcade
0.0 km
Step into Barton Arcade, a Victorian marvel of glass and iron, where historic elegance meets boutique shopping in the heart of Manchester.
St Anns Square
0.1 km
Historic heart of Manchester blending 18th-century charm, architectural heritage, and vibrant retail life in an elegant urban square.
Parsonage Gardens
0.1 km
A peaceful garden oasis in central Manchester, rich with history and quiet reflection amid the city’s vibrant heart.
House of Fraser
0.1 km
Discover luxury shopping and historic charm at House of Fraser Manchester, a premier department store on Deansgate.
Saint Ann's Church
0.1 km
Discover St Ann's Church, Manchester’s neo-classical gem and historic city centre landmark, blending 18th-century elegance with vibrant cultural heritage.
The Mitre Hotel
0.2 km
Historic Victorian charm meets central Manchester convenience at The Mitre Hotel in Shambles Square.
Manchester Cathedral
0.3 km
Explore the captivating beauty and rich history of Manchester Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture situated in the heart of Manchester.
Exchange Sq
0.3 km
Manchester’s bustling Exchange Square blends historic resilience with vibrant shopping, seasonal markets, and cultural buzz in the city centre.
St Mary's RC Church
0.3 km
Discover St Mary's RC Church, Manchester's historic 'Hidden Gem' blending Victorian artistry and deep Catholic heritage since 1794.
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
0.3 km
A neo-Gothic architectural gem housing one of the UK’s largest rare book collections and a vibrant research institute in the heart of Manchester.
Corn Exchange Manchester
0.3 km
A historic Manchester landmark blending global dining, unique entertainment, and vibrant social experiences in a stunning Edwardian setting.
DNA VR Manchester
0.3 km
Step into Manchester’s premier VR arcade where immersive games, escape rooms, and free-roam adventures bring virtual worlds to life.
Market St
0.3 km
Manchester’s bustling pedestrian retail street linking major stations with iconic shops and vibrant city life.
Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre
0.4 km
Manchester’s largest indoor shopping centre, with over 200 stores, restaurants, and leisure options in the heart of the city.
Abraham Lincoln Statue
0.4 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Manchester honoring Abraham Lincoln and the city’s courageous support for abolition during the American Civil War.
Essential places to dine
Climat
0.1 km
Sophisticated rooftop dining in Manchester with panoramic views, a Burgundy-focused wine cellar, and inventive seasonal sharing plates.
Gaucho Manchester
0.1 km
Experience premium Argentine steaks and elegant dining in a spectacular historic church setting in the heart of Manchester.
Annies
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Experience hearty British classics and warm hospitality in the stylish, cozy setting of Annie's on Old Bank Street, Manchester.
San Carlo - Manchester
0.2 km
Experience authentic regional Italian cuisine in a stylish, celebrity-frequented Manchester hotspot known for elegance and vibrant atmosphere.
El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
0.2 km
Stylish Spanish tapas in a historic Manchester townhouse with a vibrant bar, open kitchen dining, and a stunning rooftop terrace.
MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE
0.2 km
Historic Manchester chophouse serving hearty British classics in a warm, inviting setting since 1867.
Miller & Carter Manchester
0.2 km
Classic British steakhouse on Manchester’s King Street, serving expertly aged premium steaks in a warm, elegant setting with attentive service.
Sam's Chop House
0.3 km
Experience traditional British chophouse dining with locally sourced ingredients in Manchester’s cozy, historic atmosphere.
Kala
0.3 km
Modern European bistro blending classic and contemporary flavours in Manchester’s vibrant King Street district.
Cosy Club
0.3 km
Eclectic British dining and vibrant bar in Manchester’s historic Corn Exchange with stylish 1970s flair and a welcoming atmosphere.
10 Tib Lane
0.3 km
A chic, intimate spot in Manchester serving refined French-inspired small plates with natural wines and craft cocktails in a historic Victorian setting.
Masons
0.3 km
Elegant Modern British dining with art deco charm and a refreshingly simple menu philosophy.
Australasia
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Stylish Pan-Asian dining in Manchester’s Spinningfields with vibrant flavors, chic design, and a lively atmosphere for special occasions.
Armenian Taverna & Restaurant
0.3 km
Manchester's authentic Armenian culinary institution, recently modernized yet rooted in five decades of tradition.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Manchester
0.4 km
Contemporary Italian dining with cocktails in Manchester's vibrant Corn Exchange.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pulse
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Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
Søstrene Grene
0.2 km
Discover Danish-inspired creativity and cozy home treasures in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
0.2 km
Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
Rams Gift World
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.3 km
Discover playful Danish design and quirky everyday essentials at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant Market Street.
Menkind
0.3 km
Discover quirky gadgets and unique gifts at Menkind, Manchester Arndale’s vibrant destination for fun and innovative presents.
Amazonas Gifts
0.5 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Amazonas Gifts, nestled in the heart of Manchester Markets Piccadilly.
Hoot
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Discover magical gifts and Harry Potter treasures at Hoot, a charming boutique nestled in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant shopping heart.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
0.7 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.7 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
The Manchester Shop
0.7 km
Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Red and Blue Umbrella
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Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
Stare Society
0.7 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Deadstock General Store
0.7 km
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Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store
0.7 km
Discover authentic Manchester souvenirs and essentials in the heart of the city, blending culture, convenience, and community spirit.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Be At One - Manchester
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Lively cocktail bar on Deansgate with 100+ drinks, private hire rooms, and unbeatable happy hour deals in the heart of Manchester nightlife.
Corbieres Bar
0.2 km
Discover Corbieres Bar, Manchester’s cozy underground spot famed for its eclectic jukebox, vegan-friendly pizzas, and welcoming vibe.
Arcane
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The Old Wellington
0.3 km
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MOJO
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Eclectic cocktail bar in Manchester’s heart, blending creative drinks with a lively, urban nightlife vibe.
The Gas Lamp
0.3 km
Discover Manchester’s atmospheric basement pub with a rich history, exceptional craft beers, and a cozy, characterful vibe beneath Bridge Street.
Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
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Dive into Salt Dog Slim's Manchester for bold cocktails, American-style hot dogs, and a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of the city.
All Bar One Manchester
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Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
0.4 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
Speak In Code
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The Alchemist Spinningfields
0.5 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
The Washhouse
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Step through a washing machine door into Manchester’s secret speakeasy, where inventive cocktails and quirky charm create an unforgettable night out.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.6 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
The Alchemist New York Street
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A captivating cocktail theatre and dining experience blending molecular mixology with global cuisine in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Wolf at the Door
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club Liv Manchester
0.2 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Bijou Club
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Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Cargo
0.4 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Venue Nightclub
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Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
42's
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Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
History Nightclub
0.6 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Royal Vida Night Club
0.7 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
Satans Hollow
0.8 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Funkademia
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Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Mint Lounge
0.8 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Twenty Twenty Two
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Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
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Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
The Cockatoo Club
0.9 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester, where vibrant cabaret performances meet an unforgettable atmosphere.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.9 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Aatma
0.9 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
