Welcome
In recent years, our health services have confronted extraordinary challenges and faced unprecedented demands. The inception of the Mersey Care NHS Charity during the COVID-19 pandemic, fuelled by funding from NHS Charities Together, marked a pivotal moment. Our inaugural ‘Good Ideas’ grant programme, spanning 2021 to 2023, empowered our staff to allocate resources where they were most needed during these difficult times and as a result, new community initiatives emerged.
Since then, our charitable projects and initiatives continue to support communities across Cheshire, Merseyside and beyond. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, fundraisers and volunteers. Mersey Cares now plays a pivotal and expanding role, working alongside the Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust to address the health needs of our communities and champion whole, person centred care.
In 2023 to 2024, we introduced a dedicated charity team to strengthen our infrastructure and establish the groundwork for sustained success. As part of this ambition, we launched the 2024 to 2026 strategy to maximise engagement, foster successful fundraising efforts and drive new charitable activities across the Trust. We take immense pride in our contributions to mental health, community wellbeing, and social equity. As we continue to challenge stigma and address health inequalities, we strive to go beyond the scope of the NHS, providing further support to our patients, service users, carers, staff and volunteers.
Rob Collins Chief Finance Officer Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust Charity
Who we are
We are the dedicated NHS charity for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust. We support our specialist services in physical and mental health, learning disabilities and addictions services by bringing to life innovative projects and developments that go beyond the scope of the NHS. We want everyone in our communities to have good health and plan to tackle the social and structural barriers that can get in the way. We want zero suicides, equal health and a life beyond services.
Our Charitable Fundraising Objectives 2024 to 2026:
1. To support our mental health, community and socially focused services to do more beyond the scope of the NHS. To lead the way for perfect, whole person care, which helps people of all ages live healthier lives
2. Enhance the patient, service user and carer experience of our services
3. Support the research, education and awareness surrounding mental health and suicide prevention to empower change within our communities
4. Support innovative social, collaborative and community based models outside of the clinical system to improve health and promote recovery within our communities
5. Enhance the provision of carer support to provide the very best possible emotional and physical wellbeing for carers within our communities
6. Enhance the health, wellbeing and support of our workforce.
Our journey so far
The Mersey Cares charity team forms
Mersey Cares launches one year strategy to build systems to set in motion charitable delivery
£2,000 secured from Eurovision Culture Liverpool funds
Mersey Cares first fundraising event: Liverpool Cathedral abseil raises £3,940 Launch of Microhive (formerly Pennies from Heaven)
Our logo is born: launch of charity branding
Charity team visits funded projects across the Trust to learn more about their impact
Microhive is a payroll giving scheme that allows staff to raise money for our charity through rounding down the pennies in their pay each month
Public launch of Mersey Cares
Website launch www.merseycares.org
ZSA and Mersey Cares Trainathon event
The Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) in partnership with Mersey Cares hosted an online traina-thon ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day. More than 1,300 people joined to learn more about suicide awareness and prevention, based on the ZSA's 20 minute training
Scheduled events
• Mersey Tunnel 10k
• Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
• Mersey Cares Skydive
BTR Liverpool Half Marathon runners raise £763 March 2024
Launch of two year Charity Strategy 2024 to 2026
Mersey Cares secures £252,999 in NHSCT Stage 3 Funds for delivery 2023 to 2025:
1. New Zero Suicide Alliance digital suicide awareness training
2. Staff wellbeing initiatives including nature focused social prescribing programme, an outreach facility and a menopause education and awareness programme.
3. Micro commissioning of VCSE sector to deliver carer support and meaningful engagement for diverse and multi ethnic communities
4. Research to inform service design to improve health equalities across The Life Rooms.
Launch of Charity Network Group to connect Mersey Care staff with the charity team and learn more about fundraising
• Tour of Merseyside
• Liverpool Cathedral Abseil
• Liverpool Women’s 10k
• Wirral 10k.
Launch of 2024 to 25 Fundraising Events Programme
Launch of first #MakeItMerseyCares campaign encouraging people to choose Mersey Cares for their fundraising in 2024
Launch of Secret Santa Appeal 2023
Launch of Children in Care Appeal
BTR Liverpool Santa Dash raises £500+
Online donations reach £10,000
To fund wellbeing packages and gifts for children in care
Real life impact: their stories
Creating a true sensory space at an acute ward to support de-escalation
Weaver ward, Brooker Centre is a female acute ward based in Halton. With an increase in patients being admitted who presented sensory needs, multi sensory equipment was purchased to improve the current quiet room and transform it into a true sensory space to support relaxation groups and other sensory activities.
A specialist team designed the space which now supports a ward of 16 women, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), in times of distress. It has made positive improvements to the therapeutic offer for patients and improved access to a dedicated sensory space.
The funding has improved patient experience, further supporting women as part of the ward’s Positive Behavioural Support plans.
“Sarah experienced flashbacks and hallucinations which stem from previous trauma. Sarah had developed some maladaptive coping strategies in the form of deliberate self harm. Part of the purpose of admission was to work with Sarah to form more positive coping strategies and identify early warning signs.
During the admission, Sarah highlighted the sensory room as a space that helped her to be grounded. The sensory room has been designed with specific equipment to reduce anxiety, help support stress management and promote self care.
The nursing team used the sensory room as part of Sarah’s care plan. They actively encouraged her to spend time in the sensory room when they saw her exhibiting early signs of distress. Sarah further developed the ability to recognise her own early warning signs and request time in the sensory room.
It proved to be very helpful in relieving her anxiety, regulating emotions, and helping to calm herself. This was evidenced by a reduction in deliberate self harm in response to her flashbacks and hallucinations.”
Creating a safe space to talk openly for service users with Young Onset Dementia
Funding has enabled a safe space for service users with Young Onset Dementia to share their experiences and talk openly about their diagnosis.
Hosted by experienced nurses, the young onset dementia group is for people who have been diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65.
Attendees have regularly commented on the value the group has on areas such as self confidence, anxiety levels and physical wellbeing. It has allowed service users to meet others with similar diagnoses and those who are newly diagnosed to develop friendships and supportive relationships. The group also offers carers the opportunity to meet other carers.
“John was diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia at the age of 54. He expressed feelings of social isolation and low mood prior to attending the group. John described how he values the group because it "makes him feel normal.” He feels unable to discuss many of his frustrations (such as memory, daily functioning, etc) with his friends and family, because he feels that people do not understand. He says he feels embarrassed in generic community settings. John particularly values the opportunity to socialise at the group among peers and share his personal challenges with people who often have had similar experiences. John attends the group every month and feels he has developed friendships and found people who understand him. This has helped him feel more confident about himself.”
Real life impact: their stories
Supporting the wellbeing needs of children in care
Funding has allowed the provision of essential resources to support the wellbeing of looked after children in St Helens. These included worry monsters, audio visual resources and other items to help children explore sensitive issues and support foster carers and parents to understand teenage emotions.
Kay McEneny, Named Nurse for Children in Care said:
“Children who come into care are often emotionally traumatised. They can feel lost and confused so we are always finding new ways to help them share their worries and feel loved. The monsters can stimulate and help children explore these emotions. Sometimes a child will draw pictures or write their feelings down and store them inside the monster’s zippered mouth. Doing this can lead to them sharing worries with their carer or social worker. Others might have a keepsake from their family home and the monster will look after it for them.”
Ann and her husband have been caring for their three grandchildren following a family crisis. Five years on, the trauma of their experience is still raw for the children and the worry monsters play a central role in their play therapy sessions.
“We honestly couldn’t go through what we’re going through without the worry monsters. The children love them, and they go everywhere with them.
They tell the monsters their worries, sometimes write things down and then zip up the mouth. They might share their worries, which are mostly about the past, with their play therapy teacher or their nurse.
The two younger children were given theirs and then the eldest asked where his was – he was quite upset he didn’t have one, so their nurse got him a worry monster and he hasn’t let it out of his sight. He carries it around with him all the time and even takes it to school. He goes to senior school soon but he’s not at all bothered.”
What we’ve made possible
All in the game: outdoor ping pong
supports adult mental health
An outdoor concrete table tennis table has been installed at Windsor House to support patients with enduring mental health issues to socialise, increase fitness levels and learn a new skill.
Simon Craske, Assistant Nurse said: “It’s a great way to focus the mind. I remember a lady who couldn’t settle. I asked her if she’d played table tennis and challenged her to a game. She could really play; she had great hand to eye coordination. We were still playing an hour later and she said she felt so much calmer.”
Simon also recalled a patient who had a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. “He’d played table tennis in the past, so I challenged him to a game. He’d been struggling with his mobility but when he played, he was amazing and was like a different person.”
Opening the door on dementia friendly bedrooms
Dementia friendly ‘door wraps’ have been installed on doors of each bedroom at Fern ward so patients can distinguish their own room, helping to reduce anxiety disorientation and distress and making them feel more at home on the ward.
Staff at the ward recognised that plain bedroom doors on a ward for people living with dementia can be particularly confusing.
“It makes the ward more cheery and gives the corridors a bit of soul. People can connect the colours to their room, and it has helped prevent people from going into other patient’s rooms...we’re chipping away to make some really good improvements. We’d love a mural next for the prayer room.”
Sarah McKeown, Ward Manager
Photo © Joel Goodman
Therapeutic and sensory spaces for all
The team at Longmoor House, Aintree Hospital has developed a therapeutic green space for patients, staff and families to reconnect. The garden offers a safe space to reflect and recover, while staff also have a dedicated garden where they can refresh and re-energise.
The two gardens host various herbs including sage, rosemary and lavender and different fruit trees including cherry, pear and apple to amplify senses.
The space now benefits more than 200 patients, staff, family and friends each week.
“Staff and patients spend time in the gardens together. It has provided a lovely space in summer for patients to get a little bit of normality out of the ward environment; to get some fresh air and clarity. ”
Empowering people with communication difficulties to make decisions about their own health and care
Speech and language therapists support people to make complex decisions such as eating and drinking after a stroke or end of life.
An innovative, award winning communication tool, Talking Mats, now supports patient and staff communication, ensuring patients are empowered to be involved in decision making. Staff members within the Speech and Language Therapy service have completed the Talking Mats ‘training the trainers’ course, so that future therapists will be able to learn this approach.
“This communication approach will be of ongoing use to patients and service users accessing this service.”
Jane Langton, Speech and Language Therapist
An adult patient with a diagnosis of development language delay attended clinic. They had difficulty accessing services due to communication disability. Talking Mats was used to support obtaining a case history. The patient said, ‘Why aren’t all my appointments like this?’ The use of Talking Mats was extremely helpful for the patient.
Emma Evans, Matron
Bringing a ‘voice’ to patients with long term communication impairment
Liverpool community adult speech and language therapists have a unique voice output communication aid (VOCA) lending library to support patients with communication impairment to have greater autonomy, advocate for themselves and participate in everyday activities. This helps to reduce the risk of harm or the impact of a communication impairment on a patient’s ability to participate in the things that matter to them.
The Lightwriter devices held in the library needed maintenance and modernisation so the service could continue. Charity funding enabled the team to have the devices serviced and batteries replaced and has supported their maintenance.
“Without a voice, people can become isolated and their mental health can deteriorate.”
Maintaining a bank of loanable devices provides patients with immediate access to a device, eliminating the need to wait for a regional assessment from ACE in Oldham.
“These devices are really vital pieces of equipment for our patients using them.”
All therapists in the adult community Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) service benefit from the availability of this resource for any appropriate patients on their caseload.
Supporting non-verbal children with light technology communication aids
Communication is crucial for children to express their wishes and needs. Difficulty in communicating can restrict interaction with anyone outside of their immediate carers.
The Speech and Language Therapy Service was able to secure Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) light technology devices to assist children with communication. The iTalk2 and iTalk4 communication aids can encourage a child to learn how to use symbols to communicate, make choices and engage in group activities as well as in discussions with parents and carers, in schools and with speech and language therapists.
“The access to trial an iTalk 2 and iTalk4 has given the team additional options of equipment to trial with children. We have really appreciated having this equipment to take out on visits. If a child responds by using the devices to convey core messages or to make a choice from activities, we can then recommend this for the child’s communication and request funding for the child’s long term use.”
Louise McGuire, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Brilliant badminton! Promoting an active lifestyle in the Chinese community
Yan Xiao, a link worker, initiated a physical health initiative that enabled her to talk to people in the Chinese community about their conditions and encouraged them to take a first step to becoming more physically active. Devising a dedicated six month badminton programme comprising trial sessions has provided an avenue for individuals to participate in the sport, enhancing overall wellbeing, reducing isolation and further improving mental and physical health.
“After six months of badminton trial sessions, the players who participated in our group have adopted this kind of activity as a part of their life and it has brought them happiness. There are more than 30 participants who take part and all of them said they have a new hobby.
Some people with health conditions have reported that participating in the activity has helped them manage their blood sugar levels and cope with stress more effectively.”
Lights, camera, awareness: supporting suicide prevention through film
A short film has been produced to help raise awareness of how to talk to someone who may be contemplating suicide.
A local scriptwriter and Mersey Care staff member, Joe Lewis, worked with the Lions Barber Collective, a charity that trains barbers to recognise and respond to signs of depression in their male clients.
The ten minute video features a barber called Luke talking to Adam, an army veteran, who feels like a burden to his family and is planning to end his life. The video shows how Luke starts the conversation, encourages Adam to open up about his worries, and ensures he is safe before he leaves the barbershop.
“The feedback has been so positive. We’re delighted that Help for Heroes are using it on the front page of their training webpage and are also planning to integrate it into their training modules. The more people it can support, the better.”
Joe Lewis, Service Delivery Manager
Yan Xiao, Community Inclusion Worker
Smiles all round as art transforms
Sefton Community Dental Service
Wall art was created for the dental department within Sefton Community Dental Service following refurbishment to make it feel more welcoming for patients with complex needs. The department typically supports children and adults with complex medical needs, learning disabilities, mental ill health and cognitive impairment who cannot be treated in general dental practice. The brief outlined a need to make the space more inviting and reassuring helping patients to feel more relaxed.
“The funding helped us to achieve a more warm and friendly atmosphere within our dental department for all our patients, young and old, to help make them more comfortable. It has uplifted both staff and patients.”
Martha Brown, Dental Nurse Specialist
“Providing these gifts has put a smile on the faces of those who our service supports and this is what Christmas is all about.”
Michael Allcock, Team Manager, Children in Care (Knowsley) team
“This is so kind. I have never been to Nando’s, but now I can take my little brother when I next see him.”
“This worry monster will help me when I miss my mum.”
Secret Santa supports children and young people with presents at Christmas
A total of 231 gifts were donated to children accessing CAMHS, health visiting teams and Children in Care teams following our Mersey Cares Secret Santa Appeal 2023. People in the community helped spread festive joy throughout the holiday season, donating gifts including colouring books, puzzles and toys as well as a variety of vouchers and gift cards.
Come together: celebrating cultural diversity with Eurovision events
The Life Rooms hosted cultural celebrations to mark Liverpool’s hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, thanks to the EuroStreet and EuroGrant scheme.
The grant, offered by Culture Liverpool in partnership with The National Heritage Lottery Fund, allowed our Social Inclusion team to host educational and cultural celebrations at two sites which were open to all. More than 120 people attended the events which included entertainment from local, diverse community groups and offered cultural learning through performances, demonstrations and food.
Wards across Mersey Care’s services were also able to join in on the celebrations with service users, patients and staff getting involved in crafts and flag making activities.
“It was such a joy to be involved as so many events were happening in the city centre. To bring such an event to a part of Liverpool where there isn’t much going on is fantastic.”
Supporting ZSA to train the nation in suicide awareness
In September 2023 Mersey Cares supported the Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) to host an online train-a-thon ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day. The sessions were based on the Zero Suicide Alliance 20 minute suicide awareness training and included discussion around stigma and language, potential warning signs, and advice on how to have a conversation with someone you’re worried about.
More than 1,300 people registered to take part, with more than £2,000 raised to support the ZSA’s vital work.
Fantastic feedback:
rated the content as excellent or good
100%
strongly agreed or agreed that the training enhanced their knowledge 97%
“I found this session very informative and valuable, and I feel more confident bringing up the subject of suicide. It can feel scary, but the more we openly talk about suicide, the more we can contribute towards reducing stigma and supporting people who are feeling suicidal.”
strongly agreed or agreed that the trainers and presenters were knowledgeable
93%
What’s next: our future plans 2024 to 2025
Throughout 2024 to 2025, Mersey Cares is planning to bring to life new projects that will enhance patient and service user care, challenge stigma and tackle health inequalities and focus on our key areas: We want to reduce the pressure on our NHS Staff
In collaboration with the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service, we have introduced ‘Wellbeing in Wildlife’, a nature focused social prescribing programme for NHS staff and volunteers that encourages mindfulness away from delivering care.
We have further launched ‘Wellbeing on Wheels’ - an outreach facility for NHS staff and volunteers to obtain respite from their role.
We look forward to enhancing the menopause education and awareness across the Trust with campaigns and events.
We want Zero Suicides
We’re dedicated to supporting the research, education and awareness surrounding mental health and suicide prevention to empower change within our communities.
Led by Zero Suicide Alliance, we will be funding the design and production of three new editions of ZSA’s digital and nationwide training, focusing on suicide awareness, social isolation and suicide awareness for NHS staff.
3
We want to enhance our support for our carers
We’re dedicated to enhancing the provision of carer support to provide the very best possible emotional and physical wellbeing for carers within our communities.
Led by our Trust’s Carer Engagement team, in 2024 we launched our very first micro commissioned project within the VCSE sector in collaboration with Liverpool charity, Local Solutions. The project will deliver targeted carer support and meaningful engagement for diverse and multi ethnic communities.
4
We want equal health and a life beyond services
We’re dedicated to supporting innovative social, collaborative and community based models outside of the clinical system to improve health and promote recovery within our communities. We will be funding the evaluation of the innovative social model of health to inform service design that can improve health equalities across The Life Rooms.
5
We want to enhance the patient and carer experience of our services
We’re dedicated to supporting our mental health, community and socially focused services to do more beyond the scope of the NHS to lead the way for perfect, whole person care. Our goal is to help people of all ages live healthier lives.
Throughout 2024 to 2025, we will be working closely across our wards and services within the trust to deliver a minimum of ten new innovative projects and developments that can enhance the patient and carer experience.
How
Fundraise for Mersey Cares, the Mersey Care NHS Charity and help us to deliver more specialist projects that serve our communities
Host your own fundraising event or register to one of our own.
We have over 20 events scheduled throughout 2024 to 2025 from sky dives, running events and NHS Big Tea parties to the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, Liverpool Cathedral abseil and more.
Our charity team can help you with your fundraising idea and provide fundraising resources.
Email us at charity@merseycare.nhs.uk for your very own fundraising pack.
www.merseycares.org/support-us/ fundraise/register-fundraisingevent
“I wanted to do something good for myself and my health, as well as give something back to such an amazing charity that helped my family.”
“Completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks was such an amazing achievement by everyone. The whole day was amazing and knowing the walk was to raise donations for such a good cause made the challenge even better.”
Sky Dive
£2,200
“The freefalling feeling was truly something out of this world! Raising funds for Mersey Cares whilst doing it so made it even more worthwhile. I’m proud to say I completed this on behalf of the Trust I work for in support of their great services.”
Lloyd,
“I was keen to give something back especially during Mental Health Awareness Week and support something that is needed.”
Eleanor Booth, Mersey Care Sky Dive
Become a friend of Mersey Cares
We want our Mersey Care NHS Charity to continue to bring to life new community projects and developments to support services users, patients and staff.
By becoming a friend and donating as little as £5 a month, you can make a significant impact to the lives of people in our communities.
• £5 could help us buy an educational book to support looked after children with their emotions
• £20 could help a young carer to be supported with a wellbeing package or through a coordinated activity to provide them respite
• £50 could help us fund a support group to meet just once a month and share their experiences with other service users with activities including memory games, quizzes, and special events
• With a donation of £100, you can support Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA) in covering essential costs to challenge stigma and raise suicide awareness nationwide. Your contribution can help us to fund training, resources and campaigns, enabling more people to gain the vital skills and confidence needed to talk to someone struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Naomi
Mersey Care Sky Dive
www.merseycares.org charity@merseycare.nhs.uk
