A warm welcome from Sue

South Sefton has a proud maritime history and a strong sense of community. It’s also home to some of the most deprived areas of the UK. People are more likely to experience health inequalities, unemployment and barriers to adequate housing. Sadly, this is linked to child poverty, financial problems, poor mental health and homelessness.

Venus has proudly played a role at the centre of this community for 30 years. We believe that everyone deserves a good start in life and the chance to thrive at any age. We help to remove some of the barriers to living well experienced by our community with a combination of practical, emotional and mental health support. We offer this in safe spaces, where everyone is welcome and no one is judged.

Regardless of whether you’re a regular or have never visited us before, you’re one of our funders or partners, or just want to have a look at what we do, I warmly welcome you to our website.

Susan Potts, Venus CEO

Our Services for people living in Sefton

Practical advice and emergency support for people who need it most.

Mental health and other services for women, children and young people.

A place to live and support for homeless people.

Groups and activities for our local community.

A trailblazing organisation that makes a difference.

Our story

1995

Venus was registered as a charity by two youth workers who wanted to improve local support for young women.

2010

We moved into our current home, the Venus Centre on Linacre Lane, Bootle.

2017

We opened the Star Centre, our hub for children, young people and families.

2021

We started to deliver services from the Thornton Wellbeing Centre.

2024

We opened Athena House in partnership with Excel Housing, a 12-bedroom property for women who have experienced domestic abuse.

2025

We celebrated 30 years of providing practical, emotional and mental health support at the heart of our community.

Where you’ll find us…

The Venus Centre is our main building where we have drop-in support sessions, community groups and women’s counselling. This is on Linacre Lane, Bootle. 

The Star Centre is where we offer support to children, young people and families, like groups and mental health support. This building is opposite the Venus Centre on Linacre Lane, Bootle.

Some of our services are run from other buildings like the Thornfield Centre in L23, and Marie Clarke Family Centre, which is also on Linacre Lane, Bootle.

We offer supported living and other homes across Sefton.