How to get involved
Some groups and sessions are open-access, meaning everyone’s welcome – you just turn up. For others, you need to either:
- make an appointment with us first so we can make sure it’s the right group for you, or;
- let us know you are coming so we can plan; or
- have a recommendation from a GP, housing provider, school, social services or similar.
You can find out how to get involved with each group, activity or service by looking at our timetable below.
Drop-in for Children and Young People aged up to 18
Who: Young people and their parents, carers, or family members can attend without an appointment
When: 4pm to 6pm (please arrive by 5.30pm)
What: Safe and non‑judgemental sessions providing a supportive space to talk through difficulties and access information, advice and guidance.
Where: Star Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Lotus girls’ group
Who: Girls aged 12–16. Please let us know you’re coming by phone or email. Professionals can also make a referral.
When: 4pm to 6pm
What: A wellbeing group for girls aged 12–16 to meet others and take part in creative activities in a safe, inclusive space.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Daily drop-in
Who: Everyone welcome – just turn up.
When: 12pm to 3pm (please arrive by 2.30pm)
What: Advice, guidance, and support on housing, debt, utility bills, and mental health.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Women’s wellbeing
Who: All women welcome – just turn up. Professionals can also make a referral.
When: 10am to 12pm
What: An open-access drop-in group for coffee, chat, wellbeing support, and creative projects.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Daily drop-in
Who: Everyone welcome – just turn up.
When: 12pm to 3pm (please arrive by 2.30pm)
What: Advice, guidance, and support on housing, debt, utility bills, and mental health.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Family navigation parenting group
Who: Mums and their children.
When: 9.30am to 10.30am
What: A coffee morning for mums to meet others, get advice, and learn about local family services.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Step Together – for women whose children are no longer in their care
Who: If you think you would benefit from this service, please fill in our form.
Professionals can also make a referral.
When: 11am to 12.30pm
What: Support group for women whose children are no longer in their care.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Daily drop-in
Who: Everyone welcome – just turn up.
When: 12pm to 3pm (please arrive by 2.30pm)
What: Advice, guidance, and support on housing, debt, utility bills, and mental health.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Maker’s group
Who: All women welcome – just turn up.
When: 10am to 12pm
What: A creative drop-in group using sewing, crocheting and other crafts in a friendly environment.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Drop-in for Children and Young People aged up to 18
Who: Young people and their parents, carers, or family members can attend without an appointment
When: 4pm to 6pm (please arrive by 5.30pm)
What: Safe and non‑judgemental sessions providing a supportive space to talk through difficulties and access information, advice and guidance.
Where: Star Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Creative drop-in
Who: Young people aged 11–18.
When: 4pm to 6pm
What: A relaxed, friendly space to enjoy creative activities like painting, collage, and crafts to support wellbeing.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Daily drop-in
Who: Everyone welcome – just turn up.
When: 12pm to 3pm (please arrive by 2.30pm)
What: Advice, guidance, and support on housing, debt, utility bills, and mental health.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Men’s housing breakfast club
Who: Open to male housing clients only.
When: 10am to 1.30pm
What: A chance for housing clients to have a bite to eat and get any support they need.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
International coffee morning
Who: Refugees and asylum seekers – just turn up. Professionals can also make a referral.
When: 10am to 12.30pm
What: Drop-in support group offering advice and guidance for refugees and asylum seekers.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Women’s walking group
Who: All women welcome – just turn up. Professionals may refer.
When: 11.30am to 1pm
What: A gentle local walk and talk session.
Where: Meet at Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Daily drop-in
Who: Everyone welcome – just turn up.
When: 12pm to 3pm (please arrive by 2.30pm)
What: Advice, guidance, and support on housing, debt, utility bills, and mental health.
Where: Venus Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Riding the Rapids
Who: Parents/carers of children with autism or disabilities – If you think you would benefit from this service, please fill in our “get help” form.
Professionals can also make a referral.
When: No set time
What: 10-session course supporting parents of children with autism, severe learning, or physical disabilities.
Where: Star Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Incredible Years
Who: Parents/carers of children aged 3–10 – If you think you would benefit from this service, please fill in our “get help” form.
Professionals can also make a referral.
When: No set time
What: 14-session course helping parents develop strategies to manage challenging behaviour.
Where: Star Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Cathy Cresswell Programme
Who: Parents/carers of children with fears and worries – If you think you would benefit from this service, please fill in our “get help” form.
Professionals can also make a referral.
When: No set time
What: CBT-based course helping parents understand and manage their child’s anxiety.
Where: Star Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Here’s a Thought
Who: Young people aged 11–16 – If you think you would benefit from this service, please fill in our “get help” form.
Professionals can also make a referral.
When: No set time
What: Group sessions supporting young people with mental health challenges.
Where: Star Centre, Linacre Lane, Bootle.
Joining the Dots (Crossing the Lines)
Who: Young people affected by or at risk of involvement in crime – referral required from YOT, school or police.
When: No set time
What: Therapy and emotional support sessions with online resources.
Where: Various locations.
Support for homeless people moving towards independent living
Who: We take referrals from Sefton Council’s Early Help team. If you are interested in this service, please contact them.
When: No set time
What: Support for people moving towards independent living.
Where: Various locations.
Turnaround Families (Early Help)
Who: Referrals via Sefton Council’s Early Help Team.
When: No set time
What: Structured, whole-family support delivered by a dedicated worker.
Where: Various locations.
Women’s Counselling
DUE TO A LONG WAITING LIST, WE ARE NOT CURRENTLY TAKING REFERRALS FOR THIS SERVICE
When: No set time
What: Free counselling for women delivered by student counsellors on placement.
Where: Various locations.
Family Triage
Who: If you think you would benefit from this service, please fill in our “get help” form.
Professionals can also make a referral.
When: No set time
What: Short programme of immediate support to help families avoid crisis.
Where: Various locations.
If you need an appointment or referral
Choose from the following:
- I’m a parent or carer and need help for my child or family.
- I’m aged 14 to 18 and need help or support for myself.
- I’m an adult and need help or support for myself.
- I’m a professional and would like to make a referral.
And if you’re not sure, phone us or pop in and we’ll help you.
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