Branch Partner Services

Age – 5 – 25

Polaris Children’s Services offers mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people who are in care, or who are care experienced.

At Polaris Children’s Services, we work together with Wirral Council to support children in care and care experienced young people, with their mental health and wellbeing needs.

We will offer an assessment of mental wellbeing needs, and can provide therapy and wider mental wellbeing support to improve your emotional wellbeing and help you feel more in control. We also support you, as the child/young person, to remain in the home setting you’re familiar with, and will work with you and your caregivers to make home life safe, comfortable, and supportive.

We offer lots of different ways to support:

• System Work – We will work with the professionals around you to develop their understanding and ensure they have appropriate tools and strategies to best support you.
• Caregiver Support – We will work directly with local authority foster carers to help them with therapeutic parenting strategies to support you to feel safe and secure. We can also help with other specific challenges like transitions; family time; or other barriers or challenges that you may face.
• Young People Support – There are two types of support we offer to children and young people. The first is therapeutic outreach work which is a short term intervention usually lasting no more than 12 weeks. This focusses on a specific goal such as emotional regulation or providing an opportunity to build secure relationships with professionals in preparation for therapy work further down the line. The second type of work is Therapy which is a short to medium term intervention usually lasting around 12 to 24 weeks. This will focus on deeper routed challenges, perhaps multiple goals relating to attachment, trauma, emotional regulation and changing behaviours.

As a local authority commissioned service, we will need to tell your social worker that you have matched with us on Branch. However, please be assured that everything you tell us will remain confidential unless there is a concern for your or other’s safety.

Who is this service for? Those in care or care experienced, aged 5 years to 21 years (up to 25 with SEND). You must also live in Wirral or within a 40 mile radius of its border.

When? We provide services during core hours Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm. Evening sessions before 7pm can also be requested.

Address? We work from multiple venues depending on where is best for you. We try and ensure that the venue we work with you from is local to either where you live or where you go to school/work but also somewhere that feels safe and comfortable. We can also work virtually as well if that’s the preference of the young person.

How long is the wait? Approx. 12 weeks

Is carer consent needed? No. We do not require caregiver consent, however we will need your social worker’s consent. But don’t worry, what we talk about in your sessions will not be shared unless there is a safeguarding concern.

Where can I find out more? www.takeabreathhub.co.uk/wirral-oomoo

Please note that you cannot access our service if you are already engaged with other similar services such as getting support from a school counsellor; receiving support from Wirral My Mind (CAMHS), or private therapy etc.

Age – 3 – 15

Positivity Club CIC 1:1 sessions provide mental wellbeing support for children aged 3 to 15 years old.  The 1:1 sessions offer a personalised approach, and are tailored around the individual child to support their emotional and mental wellbeing needs

What is Positivity Club? It is a club like no other. At Positivity Club CIC, we are on a mission to make mental health support fun! We run various groups on various different themes around mental health and wellbeing such as self-esteem, confidence, resilience, general feelings and emotions and more, and we also offer 1:1 support.

Positivity Club CIC 1:1 sessions provide mental wellbeing support for children aged 3 to 15 years old.  The 1:1 sessions offer a personalised approach, and are tailored around the individual child to support their emotional and mental wellbeing needs. Such as:

• Improve children’s mental wellbeing
• Build self-confidence
• Boost self esteem
• Express feelings and emotions
• Teach mindfulness techniques
• Learn about the brain and understand our thoughts, feelings and actions
• Encourage children to talk about their feelings and emotions

Who is this service for? 3 to 15 year olds

When? Days and times vary.

Address? Various locations across Wirral

How long is the wait? Can vary, usually 1-2 months

Is parent consent needed? Yes

Where can I find out more? Positivity Club Facebook page

Age – 18 – 25

Time for Tea is an adult mental health support group delivered by Positivity Club CIC – full of love and kindness, we share our mental health journeys, open up, listen, make new connections and have a laugh with incredible peer support.

Time for Tea is an adult mental health support group full of love and kindness.

We share our mental health journeys, open up, listen, make new connections and have a laugh with incredible peer support.

Come along and have a cuppa with us and get some support/advice. We have a Whatsapp group and Facebook group where you can see what will be happening week to week.

No need to book – just come along! Small donations are welcome but not required.

Who is this service for? Adults over 18 years old

When? The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month

Address? Lateral Cafe, 83 Banks Road, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0RA

How long is the wait? No wait time

Is parent consent needed? No

Where can I find out more? Visit our Facebook page for more information

Age – 16 – 25

Beacon Counselling Trust offer free and confidential treatment and support for anyone aged 16 and above impacted by gambling related harm. Help is available for the person gambling or anyone affected by the gambling of somebody else with no waiting list.

Beacon Counselling Trust (BCT) are a mild to moderate mental health service provider based in Liverpool – although also offers support on the Wirral. BCT support people aged 16 and above with free and confidential interventions for gambling related harms. BCT offer a comprehensive person centred assessment for an individual gambling or anyone affected by the gambling of another person, to support people into the appropriate level of support.

This offer includes one to one therapy, couples therapy, peer support, practical support alongside a number of long term recovery options.

BCT offer support face to face in Birkenhead and Liverpool, over the phone and online. A range of free early intervention and educational programmes are also offered for professionals working with young people, parents and carers.

Who is this service for? Anyone aged 16 and above

Where? Head Office 263 Townsend Lane, Liverpool, L13 9DG Face to face counselling available in Birkenhead and Liverpool

When? Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

How long is the waiting list? No waiting list

Do I need parental consent? No, you do not need consent from your parents.

Further info? www.beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk

Age – 18 – 25

Sahir is a charity based in Liverpool, providing support across the Liverpool City Region for LGBTQ+ folk and people living with HIV, services include practical assistance, emotional and counselling support, and peer support, all aimed at helping individuals increase their health & Wellbeing and build a better future.

Sahir is a charity based in Liverpool, providing support across the Liverpool City Region for LGBTQ+ folk and people living with HIV.

Our services include practical assistance, emotional and counselling support, and peer support, all aimed at helping individuals increase their health & Wellbeing and build a better future. Our services are available both face-to-face and online, ensuring accessibility and flexibility. We are here to provide a safe, welcoming environment where everyone can receive the support they need.

Who is this service for? LGBTQ+ folk and people living with HIV who are aged 18 and over.

Where? Our office HQ is based in the Liverpool City Centre, but our support services are available across the Liverpool City Region.

When? Available Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.

How long is the waiting list? Our waiting lists vary depending on the service requested. Please contact us directly for more information.

Do I need parental consent? No our services are open to those aged 18+ only.

Website link for further info: www.sahir.org.uk

Age – 5 – 25

Child Bereavement UK is for children and young people up to the age of 25 when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live. They offer free, confidential bereavement support for individuals and families as well as support groups both in person and online.

Bereavement support for individuals, couple, families and children and young people up to the age of 25.
Offers free, confidential support for children and young people up to the age of 25 when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live.
Support is offered face to face or online by telephone, video and instant messenger.
After an initial appointment, up to 8 monthly support sessions are offered.

Who is this service for? Children and young people ages 5- 25 years old.

Where? In person at Rock Ferry Library, Birkenhead CH42 3TD and Ashley House, Widnes WA8 7RD or online by telephone, video or instant messenger.

When? One to one support available between 9.00am-5.00pm, with monthly peer support groups in Widnes or online at 5.00pm.

How long is the waiting list? An initial appointment will be offered with 6 weeks from referral.

Do I need parental consent? Depends on age.

Further info? https://www.childbereavementuk.org/ or call 0800 02 888 40

Age – 18 – 25

Compañeros Crisis Café is a safe, non-clinical, community space for any adult struggling to cope in a mental health crisis. It is for individuals who are 18 years of age or older. The service is operated on a drop-in basis & offers face-to-face support, although individuals can also access crisis support via telephone.

Compañeros Crisis Café is a safe, non-clinical, community space for any adult struggling to cope in a mental health crisis. It is for individuals who are 18 years of age or older. The service is operated on a drop-in basis & offers face-to-face support, although individuals can also access crisis support via telephone.

Drop in to the Compañeros Crisis Café without an appointment. Visit them anytime between 10am and 8:30pm. Or you can phone on 0151 488 8135

The service offers:

• One-to-one crisis intervention
• Listening, care & support
• Signposting & referral to other relevant services
• Creative recovery & wellbeing activities

Who is this service for?

Companeros Crisis Cafe is a safe place for anyone aged 18 & above who is experiencing a mental health crisis. Each individual’s crisis is self-defined & the reasons that individuals attend will, therefore, be different for everyone. No diagnosis is necessary to access the service.

Please note that we are unable to support anyone who is intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.

Where? 2a Price Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 6JN

When? The service is open from 10.00 am – 10.00 pm, 365 days a year. 8.30pm is the last entry time for those in crisis

How long is the waiting list? There is no waiting list. The service operates on a drop-in basis. Sometimes the café may be busier than others &, in this case, there could be a short wait until you can have a conversation Crisis Response Worker.

Do I need parental consent? No

Further info? www.spiderproject.org.uk/companeros or call 0151 488 8135

Drop in to the Compañeros Crisis Café without an appointment. Visit them anytime between 10am and 8:30pm. Or you can phone on 0151 488 8135

Or if you would like to make a referral to them now, simply complete the match steps and your answers and information will be sent directly to them.

Age – 11 – 18

Health Services in Schools (HSIS) is a confidential drop-in service for young people aged 11 to 18 years in Wirral secondary schools, sixth form or colleges.

Each school/college has a Youth Worker and alongside the school nurse, you can receive confidential support and information on a range of things, such as:

• Drugs and alcohol
• Relationships and sexual health
• Emotional health and wellbeing
• Improving confidence, self-esteem and resilience
• Stopping smoking
• Healthy eating and lifestyle

Who is this service for? 11-18-year-olds.

When? Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

How long is the wait? Wait times vary at different schools.

Is parent consent needed? No. You do not need consent from your parent or carer.

Where can I find out more? HSIS | zillo

Age – 8 – 16

hatch is a calm yet vibrant emotional well-being service for 8-16 year olds that offers personalised 1-1 sessions, along with a range of wellbeing activities. All designed to help young people develop the skills and strategies needed to thrive in everyday life.

At hatch we want young people and parents to feel comfortable in accessing support for their mental health and emotional wellbeing and we pride ourselves on our informal and accessible approach.

We provide a range of programmes to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing in a relatable and non-clinical way. Our two main programmes are:

• Primal – 1-1 skills-based programme for young people aged 8-13 years providing techniques to improve various areas of mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Bazaar – 1-1 CBT and mindfulness programme for young people aged 14-16 years experiencing the symptoms of anxiety, low mood, and depression.

Our 1-1 support is delivered at our site in Birkenhead by our team of volunteer mentors. The sessions are arranged for the same time each week and can last between 6-8 weeks.

All of our programmes help develop a better understanding of the different areas of mental health and emotional wellbeing as well as teaching skills and strategies to help young people make positive changes in the areas they’re finding challenging.

Who is this service for? Young people aged 8 to 16 years old.

Where? 18 Trinity Chambers, Ivy Street, Birkenhead. CH41 5EF

When? Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm

How long is the waiting list? Current wait time is 2 weeks

Is parent consent needed? Yes. You need consent from your parent or carer.

Where can I find out more? hatch

If you are currently receiving support from My Mind Wirral CYPMHS (formerly known as CAMHS), please speak to your Care Navigator, Social Worker or Support Worker before matching with this service.

Age – 14 – 17

Tomorrow’s Young Women offers young women aged 14 – 17 support, workshops, and activities to make positive lifestyle choices.

Tomorrow’s Young Women offers young women aged 14 – 17 support, workshops, and activities to make positive lifestyle choices and offer support with issues in areas such as healthy relationships, alcohol and substance misuse, mental health.

Tomorrow’s Young Women is operating Monday evenings 4:30pm – 6.30pm at the Tomorrow’s Women: Wirral centre, where you can meet with a member of the team in person for an initial registration, and then have full access to the project.

We have a monthly timetable of workshops and interventions available for drop-ins.

Who is this service for? Young Women aged 14-17 years

When? Monday evenings 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Where? Tomorrow’s Women Wirral Site, Beckwith Street East, Birkenhead, CH41 3JE

Is parent consent needed? Parent consent is not needed

Where can I find out more? Tomorrow’s Young Women

Age – 11 – 18

The Drop In is an informal drop-in service for all children and young people aged 11 -18 and up to 25 for people with SEND.

You can simply drop in without an appointment and get support with any issues that may be affecting you. From family problems and bullying to worry and anxiety our team offer comprehensive support to help you move forward.

There are daily activities, support groups, and access to more specific support services.

Who is this service for? Anyone aged 11-18 (and up to 25 with SEND)

When? Support is available Monday to Friday 2pm – 6pm

Address? Pilgrim Street Arts Centre 1 Pilgrim Street Birkenhead CH41 5EH. 0808 196 4147

How long is the wait? No wait just drop in.

Is parent consent needed? No. Parental consent is not needed.

Where can I find out more? The Drop In

Age – 16 – 25

NHS Wirral Talking Therapies is a free, confidential service for anyone 16+ with a registered Wirral GP.

They can support you if you are experiencing a common mental health problem, including Depression, Trauma and Anxiety disorders. They offer a range of evidence-based talking therapies, counselling, information, and support. Including:

• Guided self-help
• A range of therapies including CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), Counselling for Depression, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) and more
• Employment support
• Peer support groups

Who is this service for? Anyone aged 16+. People aged 16-17 are prioritised for assessment and treatment.

When? Support is available Monday to Friday. From 9am – 8pm Monday to Wednesday, and 9am -5pm Thursday and Friday.

Where? Therapies are delivered remotely or face to face depending on the intervention and your preference. Face to face therapies are predominantly delivered at Unit 24-28 Woodside Business Park, Shore Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 1EL

How long is the wait? Varying wait times depending on needs and type of support.

Is parent consent needed? No. Parental consent is not needed.

If you are currently receiving support from My Mind Wirral CYPMHS (formerly known as CAMHS), please speak to your Care Navigator, Social Worker or Support Worker before matching with this service.

Age – 13 – 25

Response offers a confidential service for young people aged 13-25 years old for support with drugs and alcohol.

You may also be struggling with wider issues such as mental health, homelessness, and/or threatened homelessness. Response can help you to get the right support that you need.

The team provides information, advice and 1 to 1 support and can support with harm reduction and recovery from substance misuse.

Who is this service for? 13-25 year-olds who want support with their alcohol or drug use.

When? Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Evening appointments are also available

Where? 1 Pilgrim Street Birkenhead Wirral CH41 5EH.

How long is the waiting list? Current wait time is less than one month.

Is parent consent needed? No. You do not need parent consent to access this service.

Where can I find out more? Response drug and alcohol service

Age – 11 – 30

Resilient North West CIC provides various support for 11-30-year-olds particularly with learning disabilities, Autism, ADHD and additional support needs; and anyone struggling with their mental health.

They provide inclusive activities, courses and events helping to build resilience and life skills.

Who is this service for? 11-30-year-olds with low confidence, poor mental health, and anxiety

When? Courses usually run on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Contact Resilient NW for the latest timetable

Where? Support takes place in Wallasey and Birkenhead.

How long is the waiting list? No current wait times.

Is parent consent needed? Parent consent is needed for anyone under the age of 16

Where can I find out more? Resilient (NW) CIC

Age – 10 – 17

RASA Sunflowers is a support and counselling service for any child or young person 10-17 years old who has been directly or indirectly affected by sexual abuse.

A telephone assessment is first made to understand which support is best. For those under 16, this will be with the caregiver. After the initial telephone assessment, the young person will be offered either Children’s Sexual Violence Advisor support (CHISVA) or counselling if appropriate.

Counselling support:
Counsellors use different therapeutic approaches and can work creatively so that the therapy is accessible. Children and young people are given the freedom and support to be able to effectively communicate and express their emotions.

Children’s Sexual Violence Advisor support (CHISVA):
Children’s Sexual Violence Advisor support (CHISVA) supports children and young people through the criminal justice process when there is an ongoing investigation in relation to the abuse that the child/young person has experienced.

Counselling and CHISVA support can:

• Provide a safe and private place to share your thoughts and feelings.
• Help you to build coping strategies.
• Help you understand and manage your emotions.
• Help you find ways to deal with challenges at school, home, or with friends.
• Offer non-judgmental support and help you make decisions.

We listen without judgement. We will believe you without question. We are here to support you.

Who is this service for? Anyone 6-17 years old who has been directly or indirectly affected by sexual abuse. If you are aged 18, you can access our adult service for support.

Where? Counselling and CHISVA appointments take place at our Birkenhead base. We offer face-to-face, online, and phone support.

When? Monday to Friday with some evening support on Tuesday and Thursday where possible.

How long is the waiting list? The waiting list for counselling can vary. There is no waiting list for CHISVA support.

Is parent consent needed? Parent consent is needed for those up to 16 years old.

Where can I find out more? RASA Merseyside Sunflowers

Need support now? Call the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line: 0808 500 2222. This is not an emergency service. If you are in danger or need urgent medical help, please call 999.

Age – 18 – 120

RASA Merseyside is a professional counselling and support service for anyone that has been impacted by sexual violence at any point in their lives. As well as the 18+ service, RASA Sunflowers works with children and young people aged 6-17.

• The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service – We offer emotional and practical support for people going through the criminal justice process as victims/survivors where each person is provided with an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA).
• Therapy/Counselling – We offer a range of therapeutic interventions and a safe place to enable you, as a survivor of sexual violence, to work through difficult thoughts and feelings without judgement.
• Single Session Therapy – SST is a one-off 90-minute session. It is a structured session which aims to maximise therapeutic work and resolve an issue within one session.
• Clinical hypnotherapy group – RASA’s clinical hypnotherapy group provides 3 sessions of clinical hypnotherapy, over a 3-week period, working on reducing your symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Please note that this is not one to one support, and it is not group therapy; you will not be expected to share your feelings or any details about yourself or your experiences.
• Group support – We run several support groups, please see our website for details.

Who is this service for? Anyone over 18 who has been impacted by sexual violence or abuse. If you are younger than 18 you can access RASA Sunflowers instead.

Where? We offer face-to-face, online and phone support sessions. Face-to-face appointments take place at their Birkenhead base.

When? Open Monday to Friday. Monday and Wednesday 9-5pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9-8pm, Friday 9-4pm.

How long is the waiting list? The current wait for counselling and groups can vary. There is no waiting list for ISVA support.

We listen without judgement. We will believe you without question. We are here to support you.

Where can I find out more? RASA Merseyside

Need support now? Call the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line: 0808 500 2222. This is not an emergency service. If you are in danger or need urgent medical help, please call 999.

If you are currently receiving support from My Mind Wirral CYPMHS (formerly known as CAMHS), please speak to your Care Navigator, Social Worker or Support Worker before matching with this service.

Age – 3 – 11

Positivity Club CIC provides mental wellbeing classes for children aged 3 to 11 years old, aiming to improve children’s mental wellbeing, boost self-esteem, teach mindfulness, and encourage children to talk about their feelings and emotions.

What is Positivity Club? It is a club like no other. At Positivity Club CIC, we are on a mission to make mental health support fun! We run various groups with various different themes around mental health and wellbeing focusing on self-esteem, confidence, resilience, general feelings and emotions, self love, BIG emotions and more

Positivity Club CIC support children age 3 – 11 years old with their mental wellbeing. The classes use fun and interactive ways to:

• Improve children’s mental wellbeing
• Build self-confidence
• Boost self-esteem
• Express feelings and emotions
• Teach mindfulness techniques

It also supports children and young people to learn about their brains and understand their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and encourages children to talk about their feelings and emotions.

Parents are welcome to stay but most do tend to drop off. We are flexible with settling children into the club as we are aware they may need support getting to know us and the environment.

Sessions are £10 per child and a sibling discount is available.

1:1 support is also available on request.

Who is this service for? For children aged 3-11 years old.

Where? Sessions run from various locations.

When? Saturday mornings and Tuesday mornings.

How long is the waiting list? Current wait time is around 2 weeks.

Is parent consent needed? Yes. The child accessing this service will need consent from their parent or carer.

Where can I find out more? Positivity Club CIC

Age – 10 – 18

OOMOO supports the wellbeing of young people looked after, and those under a Special Guardianship Order. It is for those ages 10-18. We offer group art and sport activities, trips out, community sessions along with mental health 1:1 support. Evenings, weekends, half-terms and summer holidays – We’re here for you.

OOMOO is Wirral Local Authorities Emotional Health and Wellbeing Support Provider for Children Looked After and for those under a Special Guardianship Order, ages 10-18.

OOMOO is a bespoke and unique specialist service that provides a mix of trauma-informed, wellbeing and nurture support by focusing on positive attachments and specialist mental health support, as well as clinical review and intervention.

We deliver a varied programme of creative activities to improve the mental health and wellbeing of our members. Our aim is to be innovative and adapt to the ever-changing and evolving world that young people live in. We promote positive and sustainable relationship building for young people to improve placement stability, and support our young people to achieve their full potential and become well-rounded independent adults with a positive outlook for their future.

Our staff are trained in relationship-based and trauma-informed approaches, and improving mental health and emotional wellbeing outcomes for young people, with the emphasis on building positive attachments with professionals that they can relate to.

Our service offers a variety of support, weekly events, and activities to provide increased opportunities to engage, including:

• A physical programme to promote exercise and physical wellbeing i.e. boxing, aerial, yoga, dance
• A creative programme to promote self-expression i.e. music, creative writing, art
• A mindfulness programme to promote positive mental health i.e. CBT. Anxiety and Depression symptoms are measured by the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 of the young people who choose to access this support. These are both independently recognised scales in psychology.

Who is this service for? Children Looked After and those under a Special Guardianship Order, aged 10-18 years old

When? Monday-Thursday: 10am-7pm. Friday-Sunday: Varies with event hours

Where? Birkenhead

How long is the wait? No current wait

Is carer’s consent needed? No parent or carers consent is needed.

Where can I find out more? OOMOO by Open Door

Age – 14 – 35

Bazaar is an 8-week mental health support programme that blends elements of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), Positive Psychology and Mindfulness. It helps you to understand your mind and build positive coping strategies and skills to support yourself now and in the future.

Feeling overwhelmed? Bazaar is an 8-session programme that aims to improve your feelings of anxiety, low mood and stress. What we do is free, has no waiting lists, and it works!

Throughout your 8 sessions at the Bloom Building in Birkenhead, it’s just you and your mentor (so there are no groups or crowds!). You and your peer mentor will share conversation, activities and more to help you understand what’s going on in your world and build the right toolkit to improve your emotional wellbeing and help you feel more in control.

Bazaar is developed and run by young people who have been in a similar situation to you, so that it can be on your level. We’re here for you; we want to help you to get back to doing the things you love, and empower you to support yourself now and in the future.

Who is this service for? Anyone aged 14-35.

Where? Bloom Building 3 Abbey Close Birkenhead CH41 5FQ. Sessions can also take place via Zoom/Teams if necessary.

When? Monday: 12pm-5pm, Tuesday: 12pm-5pm, Wednesday: 12pm-7pm, Thursday: 12pm-5pm

How long is the waiting list? Currently no wait.

Where can I find out more? Bazaar by Open Door

If you are currently receiving support from My Mind Wirral CYPMHS (formerly known as CAMHS), please speak to your Care Navigator, Social Worker or Support Worker before matching with this service.

Age – 13 – 18

New Horizons is a weekly LGBTQ+ Support group in Wallasey for young people aged 13-19 years old.

New Horizons aims to create a safe space for young people to explore their gender identity and/or sexuality, socialise and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. The group also delivers a number of issue-based sessions including positive mental health, risk-taking, healthy relationships, substance misuse, sexual health, life skills, etc. The sessions are based around the needs of the young people and are flexible and dynamic.

Young people can access one-to-one support in a group as well as peer support from young people having similar experiences.

Who is this service for? Anyone aged 13-19 years old

Where? Liscard Youth Space, Wallasey Fire Station, Mill Lane, Wallasey CH44 5UE

When? Monday evening

How long is the waiting list? No current wait time.

Is parent consent needed? Parent consent is needed for those up to 16 years old.

Where can I find out more? New Horizons LGBTQ+ Support Group

Age – 10 – 25

Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous online wellbeing service for children and young people aged 10-25 years old. You can access it 24/7 and it offers a wide range of therapeutic tools to help you to support your own mental wellbeing.

• Chat with our team – Kooth has a team of online counsellors who you can speak directly with. The chat sessions can be up to 1 hour long and can be used to talk about whatever issues are on your mind. The chat is available from 12pm-10pm Monday through Friday and 6pm-10pm Saturday and Sunday.
• Send us a message – Instead of an ongoing online chat you can send a message and a counsellor will get back to you as soon as possible.
• Browse our activities – Kooth has lots of helpful articles and activities such as making your own coping box and creating a good mood playlist.

Who is this service for? For anyone aged 10-25. They also have an adult site called Qwell for anyone over the age of 18.

Age – 18 – 120

Qwell is a free digital mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK. You can access it 24/7 and it offers a wide range of therapeutic tools to help you to support your own mental wellbeing.

• Qwell chat – Qwell has a team of online counsellors who you can speak directly with. A chat session on Qwell is a bit like texting: we open a private and confidential space for you and a Qwell practitioner.
• Qwell forum – The heart of the Qwell community is the ‘Forum’page. Forums are anonymous, judgement-free spaces dedicated to peer support. Here you can speak freely about the issues affecting you, get advice from the community, and share your own experience and advice.
• Browse our activities – On Qwell you’ll find hundreds of articles, podcasts, and mini-activities to help you look after your mental health.

Who is this service for? For anyone 18 and over

Age – 16 – 19

Koala North West offer Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) to support young parents and carers with a child under the age of five who would like support to build their confidence as a parent/carer and enjoy their relationship more with their baby/child.

Raising a child can be very exciting and it can also be stressful and challenging. Many parents worry about their relationship with their baby/child, questioning if they are “doing a good job” or finding their baby a mystery.

Video Interaction Guidance can help parents by capturing video moments that help you see what you are already doing that is helping your baby/child. These are often strengths that you may not know you have.

Who is this service for? Young parents aged 16-19 years old with their child up to 5 years

Where? Woodchurch lane Birkenhead CH42 9PH

When? Monday to Friday.

How long is the waiting list? Current wait time is around 2 months.

Is parent consent needed? No. Young parents do not need consent from their parents/carers to access this service.

Where can I find out more? Koala North West Video Interaction Guidance (VIG)

Koala North West is a charity organisation that offers emotional and practical support and solutions to everyday parenting and childcare.

Age – 2 – 11

The Koala North West Sleep Service is aimed at supporting parents of a child between 2 and 11 years where the child has difficulty settling at night, frequently wakes throughout the night, or wakes early to start the day.

You are the expert on your child so the Koala North West Sleep Service is all about our Sleep Practitioner working alongside you in promoting positive sleep outcomes.

Our behavioural approach to sleep is flexible and designed to meet individual family’s needs. We offer 1-1 or you may prefer the opportunity to meet parents who are experiencing similar issues with their child’s sleep at one of our six-week courses.

Koala North West is a charity organisation that looks after the emotional wellbeing of families, offering practical support and solutions to everyday parenting and childcare. We work with a team of dedicated volunteers who are experts in their field to bring you the dedicated support you deserve.

Who is this service for? For children aged 2-11 years old and their parents.

Where? Woodchurch Lane, Birkenhead CH42 9PH

When? Monday to Friday.

How long is the waiting list? Current wait time is around 1 month.

Is parent consent needed? Yes. The child accessing this service will need consent from their parent or carer.

Where can I find out more? Koala North West – Sleep service

Age – 13 – 18

Response counselling is a confidential service for young people aged 13 to 18 years old. We offer a wide range of support in relation to young people who are struggling with their mental health.

Our Counselling team supports young people who are experiencing moderate to severe difficulties such as self-harm, low self-esteem, depression, suicidal ideation, high levels of anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. Our qualified counsellors offer 1-2-1 sessions which include Single Session Counselling and Sessional counselling. We offer a safe confidential environment giving young people the opportunity to talk about their lives enabling them to find ways to deal with emotional issues.

Counselling sessions are available through the week by appointment – you can call into Response to make an appointment, telephone the service, or ask someone to make an appointment for you as long as they have your permission.

Who is this service for? 13-18 year olds

When? Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm.

Where? 1 Pilgrim Street Birkenhead Wirral CH41 5EH. 0151 666 4123

How long is the wait? It can vary. Current wait for counselling is 3 months

Is parent consent needed? No. You do not need your parent or carer’s consent.

If you are currently receiving support from My Mind Wirral CYPMHS (formerly known as CAMHS), please speak to your Care Navigator, Social Worker or Support Worker before matching with this service.

Age – 0 – 17

My Mind CYPMHS Wirral (formerly known as CAMHS) is an NHS Mental Health Service that provides specialist treatment and support to young people between the ages of 0 and 18. The service is for those experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties – which means when mental health difficulties are significant impacting the young person’s day-to-day functioning.

My Mind CYPMHS Wirral offer assessments and a variety of evidence-based psychological treatments, depending on the needs of the child or young person.

Who is this service for? 0-18 year olds.

When? Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

How long is the wait? Current wait for therapy is 36 weeks

Is parent consent needed? Parent consent is needed for under 16 years old.

My Mind : Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

If you or the young person need immediate support, please call the 24/7 Urgent Mental Healthline: 0800 145 6485.

In an emergency, please visit your nearest A&E or call 999.

Once you have completed the steps below, Branch and specialist clinicians from My Mind CYPMHS Wirral (formerly known as CAMHS) will review your service match and make sure that you are matched to the best service for you. Please note that sometimes this might be a different service to what you have chosen.

Age – 5 – 11

Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) support the mental health needs of children and young people in educational settings.

MHSTs are available in all primary schools and support young people aged 5-11 years old. One to one support is available for any child 8 years and over, however MHSTs are able to support younger children by working with the parents.

MHSTs are for any child or young person who is experiencing low-moderate mental health such as anxiety and low mood.

Practitioners will support children and young people to develop skills and techniques to manage their emotions and to build their resilience. To access support please contact your school’s mental health lead.

Who is this service for? Children and young people aged 5-11 years old. One to one support is for 8 years+

When? Monday to Friday 9-5 and online support.

Where? Support is school-based.

How do I access it? Please contact your school mental health lead/pastoral worker

How long is the waiting list? Different wait times with each school.

Is parent consent needed? Parent consent is needed for those up to 16 years old.

Where can I find out more? Wirral Mental Health Support Teams in schools

Age – 7 – 25

Community Capacity Builders help support young people and adults in the Liverpool City Region for ages 7 and above. They provide a range of mental health therapy and physical activities and support young people experiencing a range of feelings such as anger, sadness, and a low mood.

Community Capacity Builders is a specialist organisation supporting children, young people, and adults aged 7 and above across the Liverpool City Region including Wirral.

We deliver a comprehensive range of mental health therapies and physical activity programmes (with fully qualified, experienced and registered therapists) designed to promote emotional resilience and well-being. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of individuals experiencing challenges such as anger, low mood, anxiety, and emotional distress.

Through an integrated and holistic approach, Community Capacity Builders offers professional and personal therapeutic interventions, structured well-being activities, sports-based engagement, and educational support to improve outcomes for vulnerable individuals.

Please note that the 1-1 counselling support has a subsidised charge of £20 per session.
For example, if you have 6 counselling sessions this will cost £120 in total.

Who is this service for? Anyone aged 7 years old and older.

Where? Grand Entrance South Lodge, Birkenhead Park, Park Road North, Birkenhead CH41 4HD. And other locations across the Wirral including Hamilton Square, Heswall, and Greasby.

When? Monday to Friday from mornings to evenings. Saturday morning. Online support is also available.

How long is the waiting list? Current wait time is two weeks.

Is parent consent needed? Parent consent is needed for those up to 16 years old.

Where can I find out more? Community Capacity Builders

If you are currently receiving support from My Mind Wirral CYPMHS (formerly known as CAMHS), please speak to your Care Navigator, Social Worker or Support Worker before matching with this service.

Age – 5 – 16

Our Worry Programme will empower you to manage your worries. If you are aged 5-16 years, you can complete our video-led programme with a parent/trusted adult. Through a range of activities and challenges you will be given the skills and tools to deal with your worries in a healthier way.

When you experience strong and powerful feelings it can affect your emotional well-being. Early intervention can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It is then possible for you to learn new coping skills, increase your confidence, and feel more positive about your life.

Action for Children offers a range of support programmes which you can access to support your mental wellbeing.

Who is this service for? Children and young people aged 5-16 years old.

Where? Resources are shared by email to parent/carers followed by support offered via phone call. If appropriate support can be delivered by a practitioner.

When? Monday to Friday.

How long is the waiting list? Current wait time is 8 weeks.

Is parent consent needed? Yes. You need consent from your parent or carer.

Where can I find out more? Wirral Emotional Health and Wellbeing Team | Action For Children

Age – 8 – 12

Our Decider Skills programme offers targeted small group sessions for children and their parent or carer.

When you experience strong and powerful feelings it can affect your emotional well-being. Early intervention can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It is then possible for you to learn new coping skills, increase your confidence, and feel more positive about your life.

Additional Information

Your child will need to be accompanied by a trusted adult, i.e. parent/carer, and will attend 6 x 1-hour sessions to support their emotional and mental wellbeing.

Decider Skills is an evidence-based cognitive behaviour therapy programme. It is interactive and fun, and you and your child can learn proactive skills in managing and regulating emotions and distress.

We offer a range of support programmes which you can access to support your mental wellbeing.

Who is this service for? Young people aged 8-12 years old and their parent/carer.

Where? Sessions are run in safe spaces across Wirral.

When? Monday to Friday after school approx. 4-5pm. Groups run for 6 weeks.

How long is the waiting list? Current wait time is 8-12 weeks.

Is parent consent needed? Yes. You need consent from your parent or carer.

Where can I find out more? Wirral Emotional Health and Wellbeing Team | Action For Children

Age – 11 – 18

We offer targeted counselling sessions, either single sessions or over a fixed term for those aged 11-18 who would benefit from 1:1 support to support their emotional and mental wellbeing.

When you experience strong and powerful feelings it can affect your emotional well-being. Early intervention can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It is then possible for you to learn new coping skills, increase your confidence, and feel more positive about your life.

Action for Children offers a range of support programmes which you can access to support your mental wellbeing.

Who is this service for? Young people aged 11-18 years old.

Where? Sessions are run in safe spaces across Wirral.

When? Tuesday to Friday

How long is the waiting list? Current wait time is 12-14 weeks.

Is parent consent needed? Yes. You need consent from your parent or carer.

Where can I find out more? Wirral HSIS | Action For Children

If you are currently receiving support from My Mind Wirral CYPMHS (formerly known as CAMHS), please speak to your Care Navigator, Social Worker or Support Worker before matching with this service.

Age – 0 – 25

The Branch Matching Team are on hand to offer you personalised support in finding your best service, and discussing the options you been offered on your dashboard as well as other services.

The service is for anyone who wants to further discuss their options and get support in choosing the best match for them. This involves a conversation either over email or on the phone to talk about the Branch questionnaire answers in more depth, and talk through the services that have been suggested.

Who is this service for? Everyone

When? Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm.

How do I access it? The team will get in touch