Mental health is just as important as physical health, and the rise in mental health challenges among children and young people, means it’s important that the right support is available. Whether it's anxiety, depression, or the pressures of growing up, our website has a variety of tools, resources, and services to help.
At Mersey Care we work in partnership to improve the health and wellbeing for children, young people and their families. Our Children’s services are delivered by a highly trained and well supported staff
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental Health Support Teams in schools have released new interactive workbooks designed to help young people, parents and education staff learn new ways to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Our MC Magazine has features on body image, positive male role models, supporting children after a distressing event and tips on managing their worries.
Who can boys turn to as they become men?
We look at the influence of social media on young men’s identity and talk to an expert about the importance of positive male role models. Read more in our MC Magazine.
Body talk
Social media is a huge part of growing up. But what’s the cost to children’s mental health? We ask experts and hear real stories. Eight out of ten feel too much pressure from the media. Body image issues among young people are escalating. Read more in our MC Magazine.
How do you talk to a child about their worries?
Traumatic events like an accident, the death of a loved one, a burglary, a natural disaster or a terrorist attack can have a big impact on children, even if they weren’t directly involved. Read more in our MC Magazine.
The kids are alright
Animal therapy sessions are having a profound impact on the mental wellbeing of youngsters, read more in our MC Magazine.
Monster Munch
Children in care can experience trauma from their adverse experiences. We talk to a nurse about how a small toy with a big appetite is making a huge difference. Read more in our MC Magazine.
Read more articles by visiting our MC Magazine page on our website.
If you’re struggling with anorexia, or supporting someone who is, there’s a new way to get help.
TRIANGLE is a new online platform created by Mersey Care’s Children’s Eating Disorder Service (CEDS). It’s designed for young people and their families to feel more supported during recovery.
TRIANGLE gives you access to videos, workbooks, and weekly online forums where you can learn, share, and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
Young people say it’s easier to open up online, and parents have found it comforting to hear from others going through similar things. It’s a safe space for everyone involved.
Available in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington - ask your care team to get started.
Some of our services include:
Children and young people's mental health service
Child and Young People’s Health Services - previously known as CAMHS - support children and young people up to age 18 with their emotional and mental health and wellbeing.
Child and Young People's Mental Health Service - Crisis Response Team
The 24 hour response team is for young people up to the age of 18 experiencing emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties which are causing difficulties in their school, family or social life.
Eating Disorder Service for Children and Young People
Our Eating Disorder Service are here to treat and support children and young people aged 8 to 18 years old living in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, and Warrington boroughs with symptoms of an eating disorder.
Early Intervention in Psychosis Service
Our Early Intervention teams work with people between the ages of 14 and 65 who are experiencing psychosis for the first time.
Mental Health Support Team in schools
The Mental Health Support Team in Schools promotes early detection and prevention of mental health problems across the whole school and strengthens links between schools and mental health services.
School Health Teams
The School Health Teams work closely with children and young people, parents, carers and teachers, promoting health and wellbeing.
There is a guidance and resources for professionals working to support children, young people and families with self harm and suicide prevention. These include child friendly safety plans, coping strategies and apps to support wellbeing.
Below is a link to the Cheshire and Merseyside Suicide Prevention Partnership which has support booklets full of information for children and young people who self injure or self harm.
Suicide Prevention
If you have been assessed and placed on a waiting list for the most suitable treatment, there are other services you can use while you wait:
Kooth
A self referral service you can access online through their website. You can choose what level of support you feel would be helpful. Kooth offers a variety of self help resources, counsellor moderated chat rooms aimed to provide peer support, and you can choose to book one to one counselling sessions via the online system.
Young Minds
Young Minds is a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents or carers. It provides them with the tools to get the mental health support they need.
Alumina
Free online self harm support for 10 to 17 year olds. A seven week course for young people, which can be
accessed through your phone, tablet, or laptop.
Calm Harm
An app which provides immediate activities and techniques to support you to break the cycle of self harm and explore triggers.
Moodjuice
Online resources for emotional difficulties. Problem focused. Information and advice.
If you want to speak to someone you can contact your local Children and Young People’s Mental Health Team from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) on:
Halton: 01928 568 162
Knowsley: 0151 351 8610
St Helens: 01925 579 405
Warrington: 01925 575 904
There is more help availble about staying safe on the website here
If you need urgent help, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. If you are unable to keep yourself safe, please go to your local A&E emergency department.
