We’re Here is the message of a new campaign which has been unveiled in Sefton.
Its aim is to provide people in Sefton looking for support with their mental health with a central source of local information where they can find more information and support for how they are feeling.
Campaigners were out and about across the borough yesterday, at locations including The Hair Project on Lord Street in Southport and Southport Train Station.
Using the QR code that is appearing on We’re Here material takes people to a dedicated web page.
Hosted by Sefton Council for Voluntary Services (CVS), the web page, at www.seftoninmind.org.uk, has links to organisations across Sefton and beyond where people can find help.
Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health said:
“As many as one in four of us experience some kind of mental health issue at some point in our lives. Sometimes we know something is wrong, what it is and what has caused it but often it can creep up on us.
“The We’re Here campaign is aimed at anyone in Sefton who wants some support with their mental health and wellbeing.
“By following the We’re Here QR code they can find a broad range of local help and support for a wide variety of issues as well as how to contact more immediate support if experiencing crisis.
The We’re Here message has been appearing on Merseyrail trains and stations, buses and bus shelters, phone boxes and other locations across Sefton but it has also been popping up in some more unexpected places. Local shops and businesses as well as cafés, pubs restaurants and bars have been targeted and asked to display campaign posters, stickers and beer mats. And people will also be hearing radio ads soon.
Angela White, Chief Executive of Sefton CVS said:
“Because this campaign is aimed at everyone in Sefton who may need some support with their mental health, we want to make sure they find our messages in everyday locations in order to seek help.
“They may be buying a paper, getting a haircut, buying breakfast, having a coffee or getting a drink when they see the We’re Here message, scanning the QR code and visiting the site, gives easy access to mental health and wellbeing support and information”
Local organisations such as Sean’s Place have worked with Sefton Council and CVS to develop We’re Here, which is also supported by Merseyrail.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said:
“At a time when we are all under pressure on a number of fronts, including the national cost-of-living crisis, rising bills, rents and mortgages and higher prices in the shops, some people in Sefton are going to be facing mental health issues.
“This campaign is an important way of connecting with those people to let them know we’re here even if they don’t know they need us or might not want to talk about it.
“I would like to thank everyone behind this campaign and our partners such as CVS and Merseyrail, but also all those local shops, business, pubs and cafes that are supporting local people by displaying the We’re Here material.”
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