Mersey Cares, our official charity wants Cheshire and Merseyside residents to help deliver some festive magic to children and young people accessing the Trust’s specialist mental and community health services.
Last year’s ‘Secret Santa’ appeal helped provide almost 500 presents to our communities’ families and children, delivering a small sprinkle of Christmas thanks to generous donations from staff and members of the public.
The charity relaunched the appeal for 2025 with gifts from donations being sent on to children supported by services including Children in Care, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the Specialist Perinatal Service, Liverpool Family Nurse Partnership, and the Smithdown Children’s Walk-In Centre.
What your gift means
A small gift, lovingly chosen and delivered by our staff, can light up a child’s Christmas.
Items on our wish list include:
- Worry monsters and books about emotions to help children understand and express their feelings
- Jigsaws, puzzles, and baby items to bring moments of play and connection
- Gift cards for older children and teens, allowing them choose something special for themselves
- Comfort items — soft toys, blankets, or little surprises — that remind them they are cared for
Each and every gift will be hand-delivered by teams across the Trust — people who know the children best and understand what would make the perfect Christmas gift for them.
How to become a Mersey Cares’ Secret Santa
- Choose a gift from Mersey Cares’ Amazon Wishlist (closes on Monday 8 December although donations can be made right up to Christmas and beyond - it remains open all year round with a £5,000 target)
- Make a monetary donation and the charity will choose a gift on your behalf.
Whether you choose to donate a gift or make a monetary contribution, you’ll be helping to create moments of joy and connection that last far beyond Christmas Day.
