Publish date: 14 May 2026
This Mental Health Awareness Week, the theme of ‘action’ reminds us that real change happens when we turn conversations into meaningful support. With that in mind, we wanted to take this opportunity to reintroduce ourselves, offer a warm welcome to new colleagues, and share a little more about the work we do to support service users, patients, and staff across the Mersey Care footprint.
How we came to be
Mersey Cares was first established in response to the unprecedented pressures faced by health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, our dedicated charity team was formed to build on this work and continue supporting our communities in ways that go beyond traditional NHS funding.
Today, we’re proud to be supporting more patients, service users, their families, and colleagues than ever before. Through a wide range of projects, we help promote recovery, support wellbeing, and make a positive difference for people accessing Mersey Care services right across Cheshire and Merseyside
Support beyond NHS funding
Ever spotted a need and thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could…?” With our support, we can help turn those ideas into reality.
If you have an idea, a need, or a project that could make a positive difference for service users, patients, or the service you provide, we may be able to help. Simply complete our short ‘expression of interest’ form and we’ll work with you to explore what’s possible, including potential funding options.
Our aim is simple: to help create meaningful impact where it matters most.
What we can support
We fund and support a variety of initiatives that contribute to mental health, recovery, and wellbeing. Things like:
- Therapeutic activities and wellbeing sessions
- Community and recovery-focused projects
- Enhancements to patient environments
- Staff wellbeing initiatives – we work directly with the Occupational and Wellbeing team to support our staff
- Equipment or resources that enhance care and experience of our patients, service-users and carers
Read more about the projects we’ve supported and the difference we’re making across our communities in our new Mental Health Awareness Day article on our dedicated Mersey Care website (stay and have a look around too!).
Get involved – fundraising challenges
There are also plenty of ways you can get involved and support our work through fundraising. We have a growing list of challenges and events, including some exciting new additions including Tough Mudder, Giant Inflatable Challenge and the UK’s tallest Bungee Jump! We’re also looking to build a team of 25+ walkers for our Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in September – to celebrate 25 years of Mersey Care (with10 free places to give away!)
Whether you’re looking to take on a personal challenge, build team spirit, or support a project within your own service, we have something for everyone.
See our full list of challenges: Mersey Cares Fundraising Challenges
Supporting our NHS Colleagues
We’re also here for you, our incredible NHS staff who make everything possible.
One of the ways we raise funds for staff is though our Workforce Wellbeing Fund, powered by Microhive, is a simple way to turn small change into real support for staff. By donating just the pennies from your monthly pay (never more than 99p), you can help create a fund dedicated entirely to wellbeing initiatives for colleagues.
If every member of staff signs up, we could raise over £70,000 each year funding projects designed to support you and your teams. It takes just a minute to join, using your employee number and work email.
Read more about how we’re supporting staff wellbeing and register today
Join our Charity Network meeting
We regularly host Charity Network meetings via Teams where you can hear more about the charity, learn about available grants and fundraising opportunities – as well as ask the charity team any questions. We’d love you to join us! Drop us an email to be added to be sent a Teams invite: charity
Let’s make a difference together
By working together, we can continue to create opportunities, improve lives, and build stronger, healthier communities.
If you have an idea or would like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch: charity
Read more Mersey Cares news:
Mental Health Awareness Week: Awareness is vital – but real change comes when we take action
Good luck Amy taking on the Mersey Cares Skydive for Mental Health Awareness Week!
Celebrating 25 Years of Mersey Care with a new fundraising target
CYPMHS Art project underway thanks to charity funding!
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