"It's saving lives" alliance sets sail on voyage to improve mental health support

IN the run up to World Mental Health Day that was on 10 October 2022, a new video was launched to shine a light on the extra emotional and wellbeing support available to people in Wirral through a new local partnership.

The Cheshire and Wirral Community Wellbeing Alliance is made up of partners from the NHS, social care, charities and voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations; all with 1 purpose… improving community mental health. The Alliance was formed to deliver the aims of the NHS Long Term Plan by improving access to mental health support and modernising community services.

The video highlights 2 of the organisations involved in the alliance, JourneyMEN and Tomorrow's Women Wirral who have both received NHS funding to provide targeted mental health support.

With suicide remaining the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, JourneyMEN's mission is to provide early and practical support to help local men rebuild their lives and avoid getting to a critical crisis point. Tomorrow's Women also provide short courses, specialising in confidence building and anxiety, plus extra support to women who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust's (CWP), Chief Executive, Tim Welch, went out with JourneyMEN and Tomorrow's Women on the Pride of Sefton narrow boat to see for himself how different therapies are making a big difference.

Tim Welch explains:- "JourneyMEN and Tomorrow's Women do a fantastic job working alongside our local specialist teams. As an NHS organisation, it's important for us to know that we can't improve people's experience alone, as the drivers for poor mental health are so multifaceted. I'm delighted we have such excellent local and community partners, under the umbrella of the newly formed Cheshire and Wirral Community Wellbeing Alliance. 1 of the top priorities for the Alliance is to tackle issues which contribute to poor mental health including:- loneliness, building self esteem, employment and improving physical health and fitness. Thirteen local projects have been launched across Cheshire and Wirral; making use of the therapeutic interventions provided by community-based organisations to help people continue to live full and meaningful lives."

Phil Roberts, JourneyMEN chief executive, said:- "The Pride of Sefton boat, together with the narrowboat we use on the Cheshire canal ways, are some of the non-clinical therapeutic activities we use to get men out-and-about and actively engaged with each other. We also use the boats as 'floating counselling' space where men can open up and talk with trained staff. It's just 1 of various physical activities we run at JourneyMEN, thanks to the support and partnership of CWP and our friends across the community. By joining up solutions that address both physical and mental health needs, we find the overall wellbeing of our men improves dramatically."

Angela Murphy, Tomorrows' Women, chief executive, said:- "The need for mental health support is increasing and partnership working is crucial to support our communities. We have seen an increase in the severity of women's mental health and the trauma that they have experienced over the past 2 years. Loneliness, isolation and low confidence all impact on our mental health and our motivation. At Tomorrow's Women, we support all women and young girls with a wide range of free services, from courses including wellbeing and confidence building, creative and relaxation classes to  1 to 1 support and counselling. No woman is turned away"

Step aboard the Pride of Sefton narrow boat around the Liverpool docks, to find out more and meet some of the people behind the alliance and who benefit from the services provided.

Mersey Ferries return to Seacombe Ferry Terminal following major upgrade

MERSEY Ferries services are making a welcome return to Seacombe, Wirral following a major upgrade of the ferry terminal that has welcomed passengers for hundreds of years.

Both Commuter and River Explorer Cruises will start running from Seacombe, on Monday, 17 October 2022, for the 1st time since it closed nearly 2 years ago and ahead of the opening of the Eureka! Science + Discovery in the coming weeks.

As part of this multi million pound investment, both the 130 year old linkspan bridges were replaced, signifying a major piece of engineering work which can be viewed online.

The landing stage has been refurbished and passengers will notice new powered gangways to help people get on and off the ferry easily and safely as well as a contemporary ticket office area; integrating fully with the new Eureka! Science and Discovery attraction.

Following the successful completion of this project, attention will now turn to Woodside Ferry Terminal, Wirral, which is set to close for a similar upgrade closely linked to wider regeneration plans for the local area.

Improvement works at both ferry terminals are part of the Combined Authority's plans to help make sure the iconic ferries can sail along the River Mersey for generations to come, helping passengers to cross the river quickly while taking in the best views of the Liverpool and Wirral waterfronts.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport and Air Quality portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said:- "It's fantastic news that ferry services will be returning to Seacombe soon and we're extremely grateful for the patience our loyal customers have shown while these improvement works have taken place. The re-opening of Seacombe will allow us to begin works at Woodside and bring it up to the same standard and support the on going regeneration works in Birkenhead. The Mersey Ferries are an important part of our cultural identity in the City Region. These works at both of our Wirral terminals will make sure the ferries can continue to operate from there for many years to come."

New commuter ticket bundles for 3 and 5 days will also be available in a move to make it easier for passengers who may only be travelling for part of the week to use the ferries.

Passenger numbers on the Mersey Ferries have recovered strongly following a significant drop during the Covid Pandemic.

The latest data suggests the number of people enjoying the ferries has risen to pre-pandemic levels, with significant further growth predicted over the coming years.

More information is available on line and you can read our blog about the hidden history of Seacombe Ferry Terminal.