Local young people’s mental health and wellbeing are at the centre of a series of grants being awarded as part of Liverpool ONE Foundation’s annual funding programme. The Liverpool ONE Foundation has been investing in community projects that promote positive mental health and wellbeing amongst our city’s young people since its launch in 2009.

Administered by the Community Foundation for Merseyside (CFM), the primary focus is to improve young people’s wellbeing, as well as raising awareness of mental health issues. The Liverpool ONE Foundation supports organisations across the Liverpool City Region, including Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

During 2023 the following organisations are receiving grants to support youth people’s mental health:

Garston Adventure Playground – Liverpool          

To cover the salary of a Playworker for 25 hours per week (increased during school holidays) to work directly with children, planning activities based around play and skill building. They will enable development, support disabled children, and assist them on trips out.

Speke Childrens Environment Committee – Liverpool                     

To support the costs of a mental health and wellbeing coordinator to identify needs in individuals and families. They will receive training and support, deliver projects, link with schools and other organisations, and research relevant policy.

Centre 63 – Knowsley    

To provide a range of activities for young people that support their wellbeing through eating well and exercise, by offering mental health training for in young people and employing a mental health advocate so young people have someone to talk to and gain support from.

Brunswick Youth and Community Centre – Sefton             

To employ a part time children and young peoples mental wellbeing worker. They will support families and children through self help, professional help, and understanding peer support.

Litherland Youth and Community Centre – Sefton

To employ a Health and Wellbeing leader to deliver a programme of activities to young people based on the promotion of positive health, wellbeing and mental health.

Phoenix Community & Youth Project – Sefton     

To employ a part time mental health first aid support worker and the creation of a peer mentoring project. Previous NEET projects by the group have highlighted the young peoples difficulties with mental health, the addition of a Support Worker would address this.

The Belvidere Centre – Wirral

To begin a children’s youth club for children with additional needs and ‘challenging’ children.

Shaftsbury Youth Club – Wirral

To cover the salaries of 2 part time youth club workers (15 hours a week) to continue delivering their projects including games, individual support, refreshments, wellbeing, and mental health education.

Park Farm ACYP Centre – St. Helens

To employ 4 youth workers and 1 youth coordinator. They will offer support and activities to 30-40 local young people.

Transform Widnes – Halton

To employ a youth worker for 12-18 year olds to provide counselling and groups for the local children.