NHS Sefton Talking Therapies

24/07/2025

Well done to our amazing team for completing the walk from Bootle to Southport. Over 30km walked and an amazing amount raised for the two incredible charities: Bebe’s Hive and Elsie’s Story.

These organisations have deep personal meaning to many within our service, and the work they do continues to bring hope, comfort, and vital support to families during their most difficult times. Both charities have been set up following the devastating incident in Southport last July, where Bebe, Elsie and Alice lost their lives.

Please continue to show your support to these extremely important charities, please do so by donating using the links below. As each charity is separate, we have had to launch two just giving pages and we would be grateful if you could look at both before donating, to ensure we keep the donations as equal as possible.

Bebe's Hive:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/amy-bourke-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Elsie's Story:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/amy-bourke-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

24/07/2025

We are off! Our long walkers have started from Bootle heading to meet the rest of the team at Formby! If you see us along the way give us a wave!

The links are still open below if anyone would like to donate to these incredible charities!

Bebe's Hive:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/amy-bourke-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Elsie's Story:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/amy-bourke-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

21/07/2025

Our wonderful Team will be walking 17 miles this Thursday from Bootle to Southport to raise money for Bebe's Hive and Elsie's Story.
If you would like to show your support to these extremely important charities, please do so by donating using the links below. As each charity is separate, we have had to launch two just giving pages and we would be grateful if you could look at both before donating, to ensure we keep the donations as equal as possible.

Bebe's Hive:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/amy-bourke-1...
Elsie's Story:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/amy-bourke-2...

11/07/2025

On the 24th of July, the team at NHS Sefton Talking Therapies will be taking part in a walk to fundraise for two incredible charities that have been set up in the wake of the devastating incident in Southport last July. We will be completing an 8-mile walk from Formby to Southport, with some of the team completing a 17-mile walk from Sefton to Southport on 24th July.

As our service delivers psychological talking therapies that covers Southport and the rest of Sefton, this is a heartfelt opportunity to get together and give back to the community we have around us.

We are proud to be fundraising for two incredible charities: Bebe’s Hive and Elsie’s Story. These organisations have deep personal meaning to many within our service, and the work they do continues to bring hope, comfort, and vital support to families during their most difficult times. Both charities have been set up following the devastating incident in Southport last July, where Bebe, Elsie and Alice lost their lives. This is a heartfelt opportunity for us to come together and give back to our local community.

About the Charities
Bebe’s Hive Home - https://bebeshive.org/
Elsie’s Story - https://elsiesstory.org/

If you would like to show your support to these extremely important charities, please do so by donating using the links below. As each charity is separate, we have had to launch two just giving pages and we would be grateful if you could look at both before donating, to ensure we keep the donations as equal as possible.

Bebe's Hive:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/amy-bourke-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Elsie's Story:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/amy-bourke-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Help NHS Sefton Talking Therapies Mental Health Matters raise money to support Elsie's Story

13/05/2025

This week is mental health awareness week and this year’s theme is ‘community’ to highlight the importance of a safe and supportive community for mental wellbeing.

For us to flourish, it is important that we have connections with other people and supportive communities. Having a strong community reminds us that we are not alone.

The benefits of having a strong community includes
- Having a sense of belonging
- Gives us a sense of purpose
- Receiving support during difficult times

To find out more information about mental health awareness week, follow the link below to the Mental Health Foundation website.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week

Below is a links to websites that provide information on a variety of services that can offer mental health support and can provide a community for everyone.

https://hubofhope.co.uk/
https://seftoncvs.org.uk/?s=mental+health+

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is taking place 12 to 18 May, and the theme is Community.

16/04/2025

Stress is the body’s response to perceived threats or pressures. When we encounter a challenge, our brain signals the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, triggering the “fight-or-flight” response. This reaction prepares us to face or escape the threat, but when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to serious health problems.

While it may not be possible to eliminate stress entirely, these strategies can help you manage it effectively:

For more Stress Buster techniques visit the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/tips-to-reduce-stress/

11/04/2025

Today is World Breathing Day. Breathing promotes relaxation, increases energy levels, improves emotional states, and decreases stress levels.

Below is a breathing technique for stress, anxiety and panic takes just a few minutes and can be done anywhere.

Make yourself as comfortable as you can. If you can, loosen any clothes that restrict your breathing. If you're lying down, place your arms a little bit away from your sides, with the palms up. Let your legs be straight, or bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor. If you're sitting, place your arms on the chair arms. If you're sitting or standing, place both feet flat on the ground. Whatever position you're in, place your feet roughly hip-width apart.

Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without forcing it.

Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Breathe in gently and regularly. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from 1 to 5. You may not be able to reach 5 at first.
Then let it flow out gently, counting from 1 to 5 again, if you find this helpful.
Keep doing this for at least 5 minutes.

You will get the most benefit if you do it regularly, as part of your daily routine.

08/04/2025

April is Stress Awareness Month and is dedicated to increasing public awareness about the causes and cures of stress. This year's theme is - This theme encourages us to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion, and acceptance, no matter the challenges we face.

If you're stressed, whether by your job or something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause.

The most unhelpful thing you can do is turn to something unhealthy to help you cope, such as smoking or drinking.

Not taking control of the situation and doing nothing can make your problems worse.

Some of the keys to good stress management are building emotional strength, being in control of your situation, having a good social network, and adopting a positive outlook.

https://selfhelp.cntw.nhs.uk/self-help-guides/stress - Take a look at this self help Stress booklet for more tips and techniques.

04/04/2025

What is in and out of our control?
A lot of the time we worry about things that we cannot control, which can often leave us feeling anxious or low as we cannot do anything to change these things.
Reminding ourselves of what is in our control can help us make positive changes to things we can control, but also reduce the negative impact of trying to manage things we have no influence of.

Below is a diagram of some examples of what is in and out of our control.

01/04/2025

Active April - Find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy

20/03/2025

Today is International Day of Happiness!

CARING AND SHARING - This year’s theme reminds us that lasting happiness comes from caring for each other, feeling connected and being part of something bigger.

Take a moment to do one small thing that brings joy—whether it’s a simple smile, expressing gratitude, helping a friend, or simply enjoying a moment of peace.

Today is International Day of Happiness, but with everything that’s going on in the world it’s hard to be happy at times.
There will be better and brighter days, so let's do the best we can to get each other to them.

13/03/2025

University mental health day 2025.
Transitioning to university life can be challenging and overwhelming.
Research from student minds shows that 30 percent of students said their mental health has worsened since starting university.

It is important to look after your wellbeing and to ask for support from your university if needed . Below is a link where you can find the links to student support for each university in Liverpool.
https://www.healthwatchliverpool.co.uk/student-mental-health-and-wellbeing-services

Additionally , here is a link to some self help materials that can help maintain wellbeing during university.

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/help-for-teenagers-young-adults-and-students/student-stress-self-help-tips/