Date published: 16 September 2025
We are supporting the influx of students arriving in Merseyside for Fresher’s Week by simplifying access to important mental and physical health services to support their health and wellbeing.
This week is traditionally when Liverpool and the rest of the region welcome students from across the UK and beyond. Mersey Care, one of the largest mental and community health trusts in the North West is ready to provide and signpost to essential health services to the students during their stay.
Dr Noir Thomas, Mersey Care’s Chief Medical Officer, said, “It’s an exciting time for students arriving in the area, making new friends and fresh experiences, for some it’s the first time away from home.
“We hope everyone has a great time, but we know the early days as a student can also be challenging and learning to juggle new responsibilities such as managing finances, everyday relationships, accessing health services and the pressures of studying.
“Living in a new area or city is difficult enough so we’ve made it easier for new students to know how to access our services during their stay in Merseyside.”
Mersey Care have produced an animation explaining all the different services available to students.
We have urgent treatment centres (UTCs) and walk-in centres (WICs) across Cheshire and Merseyside.
If you need same day urgent care or are unsure what support you need, please contact www.111.nhs.uk or call 111. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days per week and they’ll know the best service for your treatment need.
You can also turn up to any of our UTCs and WICs without an appointment. Select your nearest site from the drop down menus below for further information. However, if its an emergency or a serious injury, you should dial 999 or go straight to A&E.
A mental health crisis often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. It often involves a sudden or continued worsening of your symptoms. You may feel great emotional distress or anxiety, feel you can't cope with day to day life, think about suicide or self harm, or experience hallucinations and hearing voices.
We provide phone support for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
You can also access NHS 111 online via: 111.nhs.uk. If you aren't able to make the call yourself, anyone can call on your behalf.
For more information visit our dedicated webpage.
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.
School Health Teams
The School Health Teams work closely with children and young people, parents, carers and teachers, promoting health and wellbeing.
Student Mental Health Services
Working with our partners: University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, University of Liverpool International College, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Brownlow Health, to improve student pathways into NHS mental health.
UCOPE
UCOPE is a self harm service for those who have recently self harmed, or those who are currently struggling with self harming.
Planning a night out is exciting - choosing your outfit, deciding where to go, and who you’re going with. But while you’re getting ready to enjoy yourself, it’s just as important to plan for your safety.
Here are a few simple tips to help you stay safe and make the most of your night:
Be prepared
· Know how you’re getting home and budget for a taxi if needed
· Double check you’ve got your essentials: phone, keys, ID, and a bit of extra cash
· Only use trusted, pre booked taxi services.
Stay hydrated
· Alcohol dehydrates you, one of the main reasons you feel rough the next day
· Drink a glass of water before you start drinking alcohol, and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks.
Keep an eye on your drink
· Never leave your drink unattended
· Always keep it in your hand or within sight to avoid the risk of spiking.
The “Beer jacket” is a myth
· Alcohol makes your skin feel warm, but it actually lowers your core body temperature
· Wrap up warm to avoid the risk of hypothermia, especially on cold nights.
The morning after
· Even if you feel fine, you might still have alcohol in your system the next morning
· Be cautious if you’re driving or operating machinery.
For more tips and support:
Further information
Check out our portal which provides advice for young people aged 11 to 25, including emotional wellbeing, social media, becoming independent, sexual health and drugs and alcohol.
Urgent mental health support
Find out more about our dedicated mental health crisis helplines which are run across Liverpool, Sefton, Halton, St Helens, Warrington, and Knowsley
Urgent treatment centres
We have urgent treatment centres (UTCs) and walk-in centres (WICs) across Cheshire and Merseyside.
