Mental health services

If you or someone you know are in mental health crisis and no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation and need urgent help, you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. Available 24/7, for people of all ages, including children and young people.

If you feel you need urgent mental health support but also have serious physical injuries, then you are advised to attend A&E to address your physical injuries.

Please only call 999 if you feel you require immediate, life threatening assistance.

The agencies below can support you to manage your own mental health and wellbeing or offer you advice if you are concerned about someone you know.

Samaritans – a safe place to talk 24/7 about whatever is troubling you.

Call 116 123

Listening Ear – provides counselling support for people of all ages.

Call 0151 488 6648

Silverline is a free, confidential telephone service run by Age UK for those aged 55 and over. Offering friendship, conversation and support 24/7.

Call 0800 470 8090

Support after suicide – AMPARO offers free confidential support for anyone affected by suicide.

Call 0330 088 9255

Hub of Hope is an online UK mental health support directory

Supporting the mental health of children and young people is so important, especially after the additional challenges and pressures experienced throughout – and following – the Covid 19 pandemic.

Here in Knowsley, the Council is working with health partners, charities and community groups to provide a wide range of support for young people and their families who may be dealing with mental health issues.

Advice and guidance

Knowsley Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) works with young people up to the age of 18 who have emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties which are causing difficulties in their school, family or social life. Speak to your GP, health visitor, social worker or school health advisor who will be able to refer you into this specialist service.

There is also a range of support and advice available online:

• KOGS is a group of mental health support agencies working with children and young people based in Knowsley. We work together to get you the right support at the right time.
• Listening Ear provide support for children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health.  Self-referrals are welcome Email enquiries@listening-ear.co.uk, call 0151 488 6648 or visit listening-ear.co.uk
• You can find out about NHS help and support here
• Young Minds is a mental health charity for children and young people
• Mind provides a range of information and useful contacts for young people

Support in schools

All of Knowsley’s schools share a commitment to support the children and young people in their care to stay safe and well – and supporting their mental health is a key part of that.

Individual schools will have their own support in place and parents and carers are encouraged to speak to their child’s school if they have any concerns or questions.

If you are planning to have a baby, are pregnant or have given birth recently, lots of advice is available online including information about where to go for support.