'It can be difficult to know where to turn - we are here to help'

Commended mental health services in focus

- 

TWO highly commended services helping people in communities with mental health support are among those being highlighted following the recent mental health awareness week.

Led by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) aims to encourage conversation and reduce stigma around mental health.

This year's theme is 'community,' and community is at the heart of the work delivered by The Martin Gallier Project and We Connect social prescribing service.

In Halton, the We Connect social prescribing service, which was also Highly Commended in the Primary and Community Care Project of the Year category at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2025, and is delivered by Wellbeing Enterprises CIC with NHS partners, supports around 3,500 patients each year and helps people with practical, social, and emotional needs, while building strengths and capabilities through tailored education and training.

Wellbeing Link Workers co-create personalised wellbeing plans and connect individuals to local support. When Simon's mother died unexpectedly, he didn't know how he would afford the rent on his family home.

With support from his Wellbeing Link Worker, Simon accessed welfare advice and secured some financial assistance.

This gave Simon the breathing space he needed to grieve for his mother and adjust to his circumstances. Simon is now actively looking for work.

He said: "My life changed so suddenly, and I didn't think I could cope, but with support from my Link Worker I was able to break down my problems and tackle them one by one. I feel things are getting better each day now".