How can we help

The Liaison and Diversion team provides a comprehensive assessment and short term assistance of individuals at the earliest opportunity within the criminal justice system. We work jointly with other professionals, including the police.

When a police officer has concerns about the vulnerability or welfare of an individual they are investigating, they may request the Liaison and Diversion team to meet with the individual to review their circumstances more fully. This can be done by phone or, if required, in person.

The police officer in charge of the investigation may feel this is necessary, however, they can only make this referral with your consent. If you would like this support, the officer will discuss this with you and make the referral on your behalf.

The Liaison and Diversion Team can advise police officers on what, if any, adaptations need to be made during that investigation or interview.

Do I have to give my consent?

Consent to share information and engage with the Liaison and Diversion team is sought from the initial contact with police to allow an effective process and increase trust in the service. This means there are no surprises for the individual when we make contact, reducing any worry or distress

Clear communication of what the service can assist with is provided to the individual on initial contact.

What can you expect from our team

If the Liaison and Diversion Team meet with someone they can also discuss, support and plan for identified care needs, including making onward referrals to:

  • Drug and alcohol services
  • Education and employment services
  • GPs
  • Housing
  • Mental health services
  • Social services
  • Specialist services
  • Therapy services
  • Third sector organisations
  • Probation and youth offending services.

How to contact us

If you would like more information on the service and the support available to you, you can contact the Liaison and Diversion Team on the details by calling 0151 478 6550.

Our patients matter

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens andresponds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.

If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and LiaisonService (PALS) and Complaints Team.

Telephone: 0151 471 2377Freephone: 0800 328 2941Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk


Alternative Formats

You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to change the text size and colour contrast on this page.

There is a “translate” button in the Accessibility toolbar, at the bottom of this page, however, this tool is automated and may not be accurate. 

Speak to a member of staff if you wish to request this page in Braille or have any other questions about accessibility.

You can use the “print this page” icon at the bottom of the page to save or print a PDF copy of this leaflet.