Branch is an online mental wellbeing hub for children and young people in Wirral, from 0 all the way to 18 (and up to 25 with additional needs). It doesn’t deliver services directly – it’s more of a guide, helping people to find the best tools and local support.
It can be used for any child or young person, no matter how big or small their worries feel. It’s packed with tips to help them feel better and, when they need a bit of extra support, gives simple routes into local services. Branch doesn’t offer crisis support but has information on where to get help in an emergency.
When a child or young person needs a bit more support, they or a trusted adult can use Branch to find services that could work well for them.To be matched to services that are part of Branch, simply answer a set of questions. Branch can then usually match to services straightaway, but when needed, our team behind the scenes will introduce themselves and help find the right services.Anyone can browse Branch. Young people (13+) and trusted adults (parents, carers, GPs, teachers etc) can use the Branch questionnaire to be matched with services.Young people may need the consent of a parent or carer to access some services.
Branch is run by lots of different organisations from across Wirral, and is powered by a partnership between Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council and the Cheshire and Merseyside ICB Wirral Place (NHS). We’ve joined forces because we’re all determined to make mental wellbeing support easier to understand and access.
Day-to-day, it’s supported by an alliance of organisations – Open Door Charity, Action for Children, Kooth, Utopia, Koala NW and Wirral MyMind Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (formerly CAMHS) – but the membership of Branch is growing all the time* to make it as easy as possible for children and young people to access a range of great services in Wirral.
For children and young people in Wirral, from 0 all the way to 18 (and up to 25 with additional needs)
Information and resources are available on the Branch website
Free
If you’re feeling low, but you’re not in immediate danger, look at the ideas and resources on the Branch website, or fill out our questionnaire to find a service in Wirral that can help you. You can also get help from friends and family. If you’re not sure how to talk to friends and family about how you’re feeling, there are some ideas here.
Free support services available round the clock
If you are in immediate danger or feel like you might harm yourself, call 111 and select option 2 for crisis mental health support.
You can also go to the nearest Emergency Department. There are departments at:
The following services offer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are free to use:
Childline
If you’re under 19, you can confidentially call or chat online with Childline.
Call Childline for free on 0800 1111
Chat online here: childline.org.uk/get-support/1-2-1-counsellor-chat
Shout
Shout provides text-based mental health support
Text Shout to 85258
Papyrus
Papyrus offers confidential advice and support if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Call Papyrus on 0800 068 4141
Text - 88247
Email - pat@papyrus-uk.org
For more information about Branch search Branch in this directory.
