Branch is up and running!

Representatives of the Branch Alliance at the launch event

Branch is an online mental wellbeing hub for children and young people in Wirral, from 0 all the way to 18 (and up to 25 with additional needs). It doesn’t deliver services directly – it’s more of a guide, helping people to find the best tools and local support.

Branch was named by the young people themselves. It can be used for any child or young person, no matter how big or small their worries feel. It’s packed with tips to help them feel better and, when they need a bit of extra support, gives simple routes into local services.

Branch doesn’t offer crisis support but has information on where to get help in an emergency.

Branch is funded by Wirral Council and the NHS. The service brings together public sector, not-for-profit and other mental health organisations to tackle challenges in the system, reduce wait times and get young people into the right support more easily. The simple-to-use website acts as a first port of call, allowing anyone who is concerned about a child or young person’s mental wellbeing to access support.

In addition, the team behind Branch will promote preventative support including strategies and techniques young people can do at home, local support groups and more targeted therapy-based projects, matching young people into the services that best meet their needs.

Visit BRANCH Today!

Branch is made up of the following organisations:

• Open Door Charity - a charity providing mental health support for young people.

• Action for Children - a group offering support and counselling for young people.

• Koala North West - a charity providing support for families with children aged 0-11.

• Utopia - a social inclusion initiative working to address educational and social disadvantage.

• Kooth - a free, safe and anonymous digital mental health service.