Mental health support for young people in Liverpool
New animation to help young people aged 16-25 in Liverpool understand what mental health support is available and how to access it.
Developed collaboratively with members of Liverpool’s Children and Young People’s Mental Health Support Partnership and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the animation responds to feedback from young people, who often feel unaware of the support services available or confused about how to access help when needed.
This work forms one of several key outcomes of a recent local review of mental health support for young people in this age group. The review aimed to understand lived experiences and identify gaps in awareness, access, and communication through a youth lens. The animation is designed to address one of the most explicit messages: “We don’t know where to go or who to talk to.”
The characters featured in the animation were co-designed with young people to ensure they feel relatable, representative, and authentic. Young people helped shape their appearance, ensuring that it reflects the diversity of young people in our city and makes it easy for viewers to see themselves and feel connected to the message.
Lisa Nolan, Senior Programme Manager (Mental Health), NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), Liverpool Place, said:
“This has been a really good piece of work that has been co-produced with young people in response to what they were telling us. It supports our commitment to not only improving timely access to mental health and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people but also ensuring they are at the centre of everything we do.”
Damian Hart, Principal Development Manager, Merseyside Youth Association RAISE Mental Health Promotion Team, said: “This animation is short, clear and youth-friendly. It’s designed to cut through the noise and give young people a simple understanding of how to find the right support at the right time.”
With a bright, inclusive visual style and a calm, reassuring tone, the animation highlights:
- The range of mental health services available locally
- What kind of support they offer
- How to get in touch or be referred
- Reassurance that seeking help is normal, and professional support is out there if it’s needed.
You can watch the animation here:
The animation will now be shared widely through schools, colleges, youth services, community organisations, and social media platforms.
Damian added: “We’re calling on professionals, parents, carers and young people also to share it and help us spread the word.”
This initiative is part of the partnership’s ongoing commitment to improving mental health awareness, accessibility, and intervention for children and young people.
For more information about mental health services in Liverpool for children and young people, please visit www.liverpoolCAMHS.com.
