Mersey Cares’ charity launched with link up with Zero Suicide Alliance

A new charity is teaming up with the Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) in a live online ‘train-a-thon’ designed to help those that take part with the skills required to approach anyone with suicidal thoughts.

Mersey Cares, which will be officially launched on International Charities Day (5 September, 2023), is the dedicated charity for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and aims to fund projects which will improve care and facilities for patients and communities across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Its first big event is to join the ZSA in encouraging as many people as possible to take their 20-minute suicide awareness training on 8 September and make a small donation to Mersey Cares for doing it so funds can go towards keeping the seven different training packages free for all.

“We all know NHS services and its workforce are facing increasing challenges and we want Mersey Cares to support new facilities and activities which would not be normally within the NHS’ scope,” explained Michael Crilly, Mersey Care’s Director of Social Health and Community Inclusion.

“The idea is for Mersey Cares to work alongside our staff to prioritise where funds are needed most, which should ensure innovative community projects are given a greater chance of thriving.

“There will be many events planned but teaming up with the ZSA seemed a great place to start and we hope all the funds raised on 8 September will help ensure all their training packages can remain free – all we ask is you make a small donation and give up 20 minutes of your day to take the training.”

The charity has already funded a support group for Young Onset Dementia, implemented patients’ sensory gardens and rooms and enabled interactive workshops to create space for children and young people to write about their experiences after COVID-19.

Mersey Care staff have also raised money with Big Tea Party celebrations for the NHS’ 75^th birthday while some of their thrill-seeking colleagues enjoyed a sponsored abseil down Liverpool Cathedral.

A new website is due to be launched soon and donations can be made directly to the Mersey Cares charity and those who want to raise funds can find advice and fundraising packs by emailing the charity team on charity@merseycare.nhs.uk and set up their own events with a Mersey Cares fundraising pack.