Help for parents and carers
Being a parent isn’t easy. You watch your children grow up, and help them learn to be independent, it is also really hard work. It can feel especially hard if your child's mood and behaviour seem different and you're not sure why, or what you can do to help. But you are not alone.
When a young person opens up to you about how they are feeling, or tells you about something they are struggling with, you might find the conversation tough and it can feel difficult to know what to say. This reaction is normal. It shows you care for that person and want to help them - it’s part of our nature to want to support others and this is something you should be proud of.
You might feel like it’s your responsibility alone to help them. But there are ways you can help and find people who can support you too so that you don’t feel overwhelmed and under pressure.
Regardless of your situation, tell someone you trust and ask for support, we are here
Local services working together: The bigger picture
Mersey Care is a provider of services to young people and families within the Cheshire and Merseyside NHS ‘Level Up’ project.
The partners are
- Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Cygnet Health Care and Priory Healthcare.
Crisis Response Team
A 24 hour service for children and young people registered with a GP in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington, up to age 18 years.
They provide advice, consultation and support, including emergency assessments and follow-ups.
Contact the team by calling NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
A mental health professional will listen to your concerns and develop a plan to best meet your needs. This could include a mental health assessment, referral for assessment, referral to a mental health service, referral to your local psychological therapy service or referrals for support with social care needs.
Text support
Immediate text message support available 24/7 for children, young people and adults in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Warrington for anyone feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Text REACH to 85258
Accident and Emergency
The A&E Emergency Department is for serious immediate life threatening physical injuries which need hospital treatment.
For urgent medical help use NHS 111 online service or call 111.
Getting risk support
We are all responsible for the safety of the children and young people.
All those involved with a child or young person need to be part of their risk support plan so that everyone works together.
Speak to the person providing your support. This may be:
- Social workers
- Police
- Ambulance and fire services, Accident and Emergency
- School or college
- Response Team
- GP
- Community Nurses
- Safeguarding Team
- NHS 111
- Crisis Help Line
- Youth Workers.
These groups are for anyone using any of our children and young people’s mental health services. If you would like to come along, please speak to a member of staff at your appointment.
