Strong social connections with friends, family, neighbours, or local groups are proven to boost happiness and wellbeing, whilst loneliness and social isolation are major factors for poor physical and mental health.

The State of Health in the City: Liverpool 2040 report highlights that around 75,800 people in Liverpool are currently diagnosed with depression.

By 2040 this is expected to more than double to 164,200 people, which is equivalent to around 1 in every 3 adults.

In response, the Council has committed to investing into mental health and wellbeing initiatives and is collaborating with partners across the city to strengthen support, enhance early intervention, and prioritise preventative action.

This includes £900,000 in funding for the Community Champions project which supports ten community organisations over three years from September 2024.

In partnership with Public Health, these organisations will raise awareness of mental health across the city, while also promoting wider health and wellbeing priorities.

Each organisation has a dedicated Community Champion responsible for sharing health messages, organising community events, and creating safe, inclusive spaces for open conversations about mental health and overall wellbeing.

This programme is amplifying the voices of communities, using lived experience to inform more inclusive services. The initiative is also tackling barriers to healthcare engagement and improving access to support.

Watch this video to get some insight into the great work of the Community Champions here.

As part of the week’s celebrations, the Council is also hosting a programme of free events and activities at Newsham Park, supported by the Neighbourhoods team.

The sessions are designed to bring residents together through games, wellbeing activities, and opportunities to connect with local services and community groups in an open, welcoming environment.

It’s a chance for people of all ages to come together, enjoy the park, and be part of a wider conversation about mental health and community wellbeing.

Find more information on the planned activities across the week here:
https://liverpoolexpress.co.uk/celebrate-mental-health-awareness-week-at-newsham-park/

For information about mental health and wellbeing in Liverpool, visit:

• Kind to Your Mind – Mental health support for adults
• Liverpool CAMHS – Mental health support for children and young people

For NHS mental health services

• Contact your GP
• Mersey Care Urgent Help – Adult mental health services

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Public Health said:

“This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme is especially poignant for Liverpool, a city renowned for its strong sense of community, resilience, and solidarity. From neighbours supporting each other to grassroots groups making a real difference on the ground, community spirit is at the heart of life in Liverpool.

“We are delighted to be supporting Community Champions. They are building trust, reducing stigma, and helping support reach the people who need it most. By connecting residents with local resources and with each other, they are also tackling isolation and helping to create stronger, more resilient communities.

“Through our Community Champions and wider investment in mental health, we’re making it clear that no one in Liverpool should feel they have to face mental health struggles alone.”

Through the Irish Community Care group, Patrick has been able to receive support from the Community Champions. Patrick said:

“I was diagnosed with having PTSD. If it wasn’t for the Community Champions and the Irish Community Care, I wouldn’t be on the path that I am on now.

“They’re so welcoming they just make you feel like there’s no pressure for you to talk or open up to them. They just basically want to help you.”