Bereavement

• Child Bereavement UK (CBUK): www.childbereavementuk.org - Support families and educate professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. Their helpline is run by professionally trained support workers. CBUK also offer a series of booked telephone sessions for parents facing the bereavement of a baby or child of any age, and for parents/carers supporting children or young people. Email: support@childbereavementuk.org Helpline: 0800 02 888 40 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)
• Grief Encounter: www.griefencounter.org.uk - Resources offering advice and support around bereavement. For further support, you can get in touch via email, webchat or call the helpline:  0808 802 0111 (9am-9pm, Mon-Fri); Email: grieftalk@griefencounter.org.uk
• Love, Jasmine UK: www.lovejasmine.org.uk - A charity that provides emotional and practical support to families that have lost a child, including;  website articles, practical information, counselling, support groups ad a range of complimentary therapies. Coffee mornings are also open to Wirral families but are based in Liverpool. Tel: 0151 459 4779; Email: enquiries@lovejasmine.org.uk
• Winston’s Wish: www.winstonswish.org.uk – A national bereavement support service, they offer practical support and guidance for children, young people and families after the death of a parent or sibling. Specific resources and advice surrounding Covid-19 are available online, including articles on separation anxiety and readjusting to school. Free Helpline: 08088 020 021 Email: ask@winstonswish.org and webchat (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri)

For further bereavement support for adults, children and young people please see the MyMind website.

https://www.mymind.org.uk/services-and-contacts/wirral/wirral-camhs-18-service

Bullying

• Bully Busters: www.bullybusters.org.uk- Help and support children, young people, parents or professionals who are having difficulties dealing with bullying. Confidential Helpline: 0800 169 6928 (3pm-6pm, Mon – Fri)
• Kidscape: www.kidscape.org.uk – Help to equip children and young people with skills to tackle bullying by offering advice, practical tools and workshops. Also provide guidance and practical advice to parents and offer training to professionals. Tel: 020 7823 5430; Email: info@kidscape.org.uk

 

Drugs and Alcohol

• FRANK: www.talktofrank.com If you want to talk, you can call FRANK on 0300 123 6600, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Live Chat – have a friendly, confidential chat online from 2pm-6pm, any day of the week. Need a quick answer? Text a question to 82111 and FRANK will text you back. Email frank@talktofrank.com

 

Learning Disabilities

• Local Offer: www.localofferwirral.org  Information about services, support and advice that are available for Wirral children with special educational needs and disabilities

 

LGBT+

• Let’s Work It Out: A weekly support group for any young person aged 14-18 who identifies as LGBT+ or unsure. Meets at The Hive Youth Zone, Birkenhead. Email LGBTQ@thehiveyouthzone.org or call 0151 705 8000 for information.  
• Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity: www.galop.org.uk - National helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who are experiencing domestic abuse and discrimination. Support from the team and peers can also be accessed from the online forum. Tel: 0800 999 5428 or Email help@galop.org.uk.  
• Mermaids: www.mermaids.org.uk – Support transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse children, young people up to their 20^th birthday. A webchat is available via the website (9am-9pm, Mon-Fri) and a youth forum. Also offer support to families and professionals involved in their care, via a parents’ forum and professional training. Helpline 0808 801 0400 (9am-9pm, Mon-Fri), Email: info@mermaidsuk.org.uk
• New Horizons: LGBT+ group running at Wallasey Youth Hub every Monday, providing a safe space, support, issue-based workshops and fun for lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, and questioning young people aged 13-19.  Separate support group for those aged 8-12 and parents (New Horizons Juniors). Text or call Katrina Maxwell on 07920 278 107 or for more information contact the Youth Matters Team: youthmatters@wirral.gov.uk
• The Proud Trust: www.theproudtrust.org - An LGBT youth organisation, providing youth groups and peer support, delivering training and events and offering downloadable resources for young people, professionals and parents. An online chat service is available via the website (Tuesday & Thursday, 12pm-6pm) Email: info@theproudtrust.org

 

Mental Health

• BEAT (Eating Disorder Association): www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk - Information about eating disorders, how to get help and how to help others. Website also includes a 1-1 webchat facility as well as online support groups and chat rooms. Email: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk; Helpline: 0808 801 0677 (Mon-Fri 9am-12am; Sat-Sun 4pm-12am)
• CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably): www.thecalmzone.net - A registered charity, which exists to prevent male suicide in the UK. Webchat can be found on the website. Helpline: 0800 585858 (5pm-Midnight 365 days a year). Email: info@thecalmzone.net
• CAMHS Ready: www.camhsready.org - CAMHS Ready is a tool for young people and their families to ensure they get the most out of their first visit to CAMHS. Created by North Staffordshire CAMHS.
• ChildLine: www.childline.org.uk- ChildLine is a free and confidential service for people under 19 years old, It's there to help any young person who is going through a tough time and needs someone to talk to. Option to speak to a counsellor by telephone or email; there’s also online chat service, message boards and information on the website. Helpline: 0800 1111 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Ditch The Label: www.ditchthelabel.org - Helping 12-25 year olds overcome the issues that affect them most including bullying, mental health, cyberbullying, body image, relationships, sex, identity and coming out. Support forums and blog posts can be found on the website.
• Get Informed: www.young.scot/get-informed - A teenager health site; using the search tool can search ‘Mind’ or ‘wellbeing’ to access information and advice about common mental health conditions and dealing with difficult feelings; plus lots of tips on how to stay happy and well.
•  Get-Self Help: www.getselfhelp.co.uk - Provides information about various mental health conditions and self-help resources, including worksheets and information sheet, plus videos and self-help mp3s.
• Headroom: www.bbc.co.uk/headroom - Online resource that recognises the impact the pandemic is having on mental health; provides a toolkit for the mind to help people look after themselves with practical everyday tips, inspiring personal stories, activities and music mixes to boost mood, escape and relax
• MindEd: www.minded.org.uk - Provides information, guidance and ‘e-learning’ modules on children and young people's mental health, wellbeing and development to any adult to help them support the development of young healthy minds, and identify and support children and young people with mental health issues.
• The Mix: www.themix.org.uk - Support service for young people under 25, helping them take on any challenges they’re facing, including mental health difficulties, sexuality and drugs. Includes 1-2-1 and group chats online and a helpline: 0808 808 4994 (7 days a week, 3pm-12pm). Dedicated crisis support, text ‘THEMIX’ to 85258.
• NHSinform: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health - Information and advice to those experiencing troublesome thoughts, feelings and actions. The site contains information and various self-help guides covering conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, panic and sleep problems that can offer support, advice and information.
• My Mind: www.mymind.org.uk - The CWP CAMHS webpage developed for anyone interested in the mental health & well-being of children and young people. Includes information, resources and activities for CYP and parents, carers and professionals to download and use.
• OCD-UK: http://ocduk.org - The national OCD charity, run by and for people with lived experience of OCD. Provides resources and information for children and adults whose lives are affected by OCD. Online support groups for family members of those affected by OCD or 18+ held every Tuesday and Thursday. An online under 18’s support group (11-18) is also available, see website for more information.
• PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide): www.papyrus-uk.org - National UK charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. Website has downloadable coping strategies and distraction techniques. Helpline: 0800 068 4141 (9am-12am, 365 days a year); Text: 07860039967; Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
• Reading Well: www.reading-well.org.uk/books - Helps you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing by suggesting helpful reading. All books listed are endorsed by health experts and those with lived experience. Includes reading lists for Young People, Children and a list of Mood-boosting Books.

• You can visit Wirral Libraries to borrow many of these books, some of which are also available as e-books and audiobooks. www.wirral.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives

• Running Head First: www.runningheadfirst.org:  Not for profit organisation which utilises walking, jogging, running and physical activity to improve the mental health of the population in the North West. Children, young people and adults. Tel: 0151 315 1092  Email: chris@runningheadfirst.org
• Samaritans: www.samaritans.org - Consists of volunteers who are available to talk to in confidence for support if feeling sad or upset and don’t know where else to turn. A self-help app is available through the website to help keep track of how you’re feeling, and get recommendations for things you can do to help yourself cope, feel better and stay safe in a crisis. Tel: 116 123 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or Email: jo@samaritans.org.
• STEM4: www.stem4.org.uk– A charity that supports positive mental health in teenagers, raising awareness and enhancing detection and education. Offers resources, information, and downloadable apps around anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders and addiction.
• Young Minds: https://youngminds.org.uk/ - the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Provide expert knowledge to professionals, parents and young people through online resources, tool kits, training and development, outreach work and publications. Parents can get further support through the Webchat or by calling the helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm).

 

Support for Parents, Families and Communities

• ADDvanced Solutions: www.addvancedsolutions.co.uk – Aim to support and empower families living with neurodevelopmental conditions by delivering community based learning, coaching and mentoring, and health and wellbeing activities including family activity days and weekly workshops. Tel: 0151 486 1788 Email: info@addvancedsolutions.co.uk
• Barnardo’s Covid-19 Support Hub: www.barnardos.org.uk/barnardos-covid-19-support-hub - In response to the negative impact that Covid-19 is having on the mental health and wellbeing of many children, young people and their families, Barnardo’s have put together a collection of information and resources on different topics that are affecting people right now. Including; emotional wellbeing, back to school, family support and advice surrounding children and young people’s internet use.
• Bee Wirral: Offer a range of activities and services including baby groups, supervision for family contact, adult groups for socialising, courses and training. Summerhill House, Fifth Avenue, Prenton, CH43 9LB. Tel: 0151 647 7587. Email: info@beewirral.co.uk 
• Besom: www.besominwirral.co.uk - A charity run by a group of volunteers who serve the Wirral area by passing on free household items (furniture, bedding, electrical items, kitchen equipment) to those in need who have been referred to them by an agency. Email: contact@besominwirral.co.uk Tel: 0151 640 0125
• Children’s Centres: www.wirral.gov.uk/early-years-and-childcare/childrens-centres - Offer advice and support for the parents of children aged 0-5 years and a range of parenting programmes and support groups. Parents can self-refer directly to the individual Children’s Centres (Groups are currently limited due to COVID guidelines). Guides on activities to try at home and videos are shared via the My Child Can Facebook page.
• Citizens Advice Wirral:  www.citizensadvicewirral.org.uk - Offers help and advice across issues including management of debt, problems with housing and rent, relationship issues, consumer rights and help to claim Universal Credit. Advice Team: 0808 2787848 (9.30am-4pm Mon-Fri). Web chat also accessible via website. For support in making a claim for Universal Credit call 0800 144 8 444
• Community Midwives: https://www.wuth.nhs.uk/our-locations/wirral-women-and-childrens-hospital/maternity-services/labour-care/community/community-midwives/ - Offer a range of support for mums/dads-to-be and new mums, including parent craft and birth preparation classes. Tel: 0151 604 7682 for enquiries or 0151 604 7501 to book into the service.
• Crea8ing Careers: www.crea8ingcareers.com - Run family education workshops and parenting programmes, resilience programmes for young people, along with support groups and career & employability support. Additionally, CPD accredited professional training on Adverse Childhood Experiences Awareness. Address: 4 Brandon Street, Birkenhead, CH41 5HN Tel: 0151 345 5836 Email: info@crea8ingcareers.com Facebook/Twitter @crea8ingcareers

• Daisy Chain: www.daisychainproject.co.uk - A free confidential service providing support and information for neurodiverse adults, young people and their families. Can offer coping strategies, resources, advice and signposting to other services. Helpline: 0800 031 5445 (Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm; Friday 9am-5pm)

• Family Information Service and Childcare Team:  www.wirral.gov.uk/early-years-and-childcare - Provide information, advice and guidance to families, including finding suitable childcare, applying for schools and signposting to appropriate services. Email: fis@wirral.gov.uk Tel: 0151 606 2000
• Family Lives: www.familylives.org.uk – Offer information, advice, guidance and support on any aspect of parenting and family life, including bullying, separation and communicating with teens. Website includes short videos, online parenting courses and forums to chat with other parents. For further support, call the helpline: 0808 800 2222. Email: askus@familylives.org.uk Webchat is also available Mon-Fri (1.30-9pm).
• Gingerbread: www.gingerbread.org.uk- Offers support, advice to, and campaigns for single parent families, helping them meet their family’s needs. Offers online information, an online forum, webchat and a helpline. Helpline: 0808 802 0925
• Health Visitors: www.wchc.nhs.uk/services/health-visiting-wirral/ - Specialists in child health and development who work to promote and improve the health and wellbeing of pre-school children and their families. Offer information, support and advice to ensure families are fully supported to give their children the best possible start.
• Family Nurse Partnership: www.wchc.nhs.uk/services/family-nurse-partnership-wirral-cheshire-east/ - A home visiting programme for first-time young mums (18 and under or 22 and under for those with specific vulnerabilities and needs) and families. Offer 1-1 support for first-time young mums and their partners up until the child’s second birthday.  Email: wcnt.fnp@nhs.net  Tel: 0151 514 2494
• Involve Northwest- Connect Us: www.involvenorthwest.org.uk/index.php/services/community-connectors-service - Aim to enable local residents to improve wellbeing together and feel less isolated. Puts you in touch with a Community Connector who can support you to set goals towards feeling better and link you to activities, groups, organizations and services to achieve your goals. Can also attend Virtual Get Together every Wednesday at 10am Tel:  0151 644 4516; Email: connectus@involvenorthwest.org.uk
• North Birkenhead Development Trust: www.nbdt.co.uk - A community anchor organisation for the neighbourhood to improve the quality of life and opportunities for all living in North Birkenhead. Running the St James Centre, they offer various activities including kids clubs, day trips and adult education. Also, home to a community café, library and day nursery. Tel: 0151 670 9974 or call/text: 07759237181; Email: reception@nbdt.org.uk .

• Wirral Change:  www.wirralchange.org.uk - Provides a range of services to support disadvantaged and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Wirral including practical advice and guidance, support groups, activities, ESOL sessions and employment support Tel: 0151 649 8177; Email: info@wirralchange.org.uk   Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/wirralchange
• Wirral Credit Union: www.wirralcu.org.uk - An alternative way to save and borrow, a credit union is a not-for-profit financial co-operative that exists to help its members manage their finances better by providing savings facilities and access to low cost loans. Email: info@wirralcu.org.uk; Tel: 0151 638 4332
• Wirral Multi Cultural Organisation: www.wmo.org.uk - Offers a range of professional and culturally sensitive services to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the local BME communities.  A key focus is to support more vulnerable members of the local BME community by providing language support, advocacy, social support and activities, assistance to access primary care services and advice and education services.  Tel: 0151 792 5116; Email: info@wmo.org.uk

 

Mental Health - Mobile Phone Apps

Mindfulness/Coping Strategies

Smiling Minds – Meditation - www.smilingmind.com.au

Chill Panda - Meditation - www.chillpanda.co.uk

Headspace - Meditation - www.headspace.com

CALM – Meditation - www.calm.com

Think Ninja – Resilience and coping strategies – www.nhs.uk/apps-library/thinkninja

 

Stress and Anxiety

Clear Fear – Anxiety - www.clearfear.co.uk

Mind Shift - www.anxietycanada.com/resources/mindshift-cbt/

 

Looking after yourself

Sleepio– Sleep – www.sleepio.com/mobile

Sworkit – Exercise – www.sworkit.com 

Move Mood – www.movemood.co.uk

 

Self-harm/distraction techniques

Calm Harm – Distraction – www.calmharm.co.uk

 

Suicide Prevention

Stay Alive App – www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/stay-alive-app