The Step Forward psychological intervention service in Liverpool is a key element of Mersey Care’s community mental health transformation programme. Requests for the service are only provided via GP or another health professional referral.

Our service aims to meet need outside of secondary mental health care, maximising community assets and providing psychologically informed interventions to support recovery. We work closely with secondary mental health care teams to support seamless transitions between primary and secondary care, and we are passionate in developing our pathways with key statutory and non statutory services in order to provide a seamless journey for our service users.

We are also aware of the difficulties experienced by people from black, asian, mixed backgrounds and other minoritised ethnic groups, when accessing mental health services. We work closely with underrepresented communities across the footprint to increase our knowledge and understanding of the challenges people face, and we adapt our services to reduce and overcome the barriers identified.

Our psychological intervention teams primarily comprise: clinical psychologists, psychological practitioners and assistant psychologists. We consider input for anyone aged 18 years and over who present with common mental health problems that have greater chronicity or complexity than would be typically seen in an NHS Talking Therapies service, but whose complexity would not be considered to meet secondary care threshold. Typical presenting issues might include complex multiple trauma, emotional and behavioural dysregulation, and/or moderate or chronic self harming behaviour (but not severe or life threatening self harm).

Clients might also present with a history of difficulties with managing emotions safely and difficulties establishing or maintaining positive relationships. The psychological interventions offered are tailored to each individual, and through this, we hope to create a therapeutic setting of mutual trust and respect in which everyone feels heard, valued and understood.

The form should be used as a guide to help clinicians consider whether service users would benefit from Step Forward services. To make a request, please discuss within the multidisciplinary team and download and complete the form, ideally with the service user.

 

 

Mersey Care wants people with lived experience of mental health services to help us improve safety planning. 

What is a safety plan? 
It's a personalised, six page booklet designed to help you manage your wellbeing, recognise early signs of distress and plan ways to stay safe. It’s completed with a supportive staff member and can include family or friends. 

Why join the focus group? 
We’re reviewing and improving how we introduce and use safety plans. Your views and experiences are vital in helping us make the plan more helpful, clear, and user friendly for everyone. Your voice matters. Help us make safety planning better for everyone. 

Who can take part? 
We’d love to hear from you if you: 

  • Have completed a safety plan
  • Have ideas or feedback about how the safety plan looks, feels or works.

What's involved?

  • One focus group session (around 60 minutes)
  • Friendly, respectful discussion with staff and service users - your insights will help shape improvements.
Date Location Time
12/9/2025  Hartley Hospital, 1B Curzon Rd, Southport PR8 6PL 11.00am – 12.00 noon
15/9/2025 Harry Blackman House, Peasley Cross Hospital, Marshalls Cross Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 3DE  11.00am – 12.30pm
22/9/2025 Norris Green Community Hub, Falklands Approach, Liverpool L11 5BS  11.00am – 12.00 noon
22/9/2025 Hollins Park Hospital, Hollins Lane, Winwick, Warrington WA2 8WA  2.30pm – 3.30pm
26/9/2025 Virtual session held via MS Teams 11.00am – 12.00 noon
26/9/2025 Virtual session held via MS Teams 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Please email the Step Forward Team to register your interest: StepForwardTeam@merseycare.nhs.uk then further details will be provided. (Please note: the email address is not monitored 24/7 so should not be used in emergencies). 

Friends, family and carers

As well as supporting the people who receive care, we’re also committed to supporting their friends, family or carers (including young carers).

We work closely with our Carer’s Pathway Team for adults, Barnardo’s Action with Young Carers and the Young Person’s Advisory Service. We also have an adult and young person’s carer champion who raises awareness of carers needs within our team.

For more information, please speak to a member of the team or email: StepForwardTeam@merseycare.nhs.uk