Early Intervention Mental Health Support for Children and Young People in Sefton

Every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, confident and supported.

The Star Centre provides free early intervention emotional wellbeing and mental health support for children and young people aged 0–18 who live in Sefton. We work with children, young people and families experiencing mild to moderate emotional wellbeing difficulties, helping them build resilience and develop practical strategies for everyday life.

Our experienced therapists, counsellors and family practitioners provide compassionate, evidence-based support in welcoming community settings across Sefton.

Whether you are a parent, young person, school, GP or another professional, we’re here to help you find the right support.

How We Can Help

We provide:

  • Individual counselling

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Parenting support
  • Family support
  • Support for neurodivergent children and young people
  • Group programmes
  • Advice and guidance through our weekly drop-in sessions

Who Can Access the Star Centre?

The Star Centre supports children and young people aged 0–18 who live in Sefton.

For younger children, we often work alongside parents and carers, helping them develop practical strategies to support their child’s emotional well-being at home.

We Can Help With

  • Anxiety
  • Low mood
  • Worries
  • Emotional regulation
  • Mild to moderate behavioural concerns
  • Family relationship difficulties
  • Neurodiversity-related support
  • Building resilience
  • Emotional wellbeing

Our service works best for children and young people who are able to engage with short-term therapeutic support.

Our Service May Not Be Right If…

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide support where there are:

  • Immediate safeguarding concerns
  • High levels of risk
  • Complex mental health needs requiring specialist services
  • Long-term therapy requirements
  • Requests for EMDR or IPT-A

If another service is more appropriate, we’ll always try to signpost families to the right support.

What Happens Next?

Every referral is carefully reviewed by our clinical team.

If accepted, we’ll invite the child or young person for an assessment before agreeing the most appropriate support.