Representatives from Merseyside Youth Association (MYA) attended the Knowsley Health and Wellbeing Board on 27 January 2026 to provide an update on challenges they face and what support they need regarding health and wellbeing services.
MYA is a charity dedicated to providing innovative support and opportunities for young people across Merseyside.
Through engagement with young people in Knowsley, the key issues facing them include mental health, poverty, obesity, low exam results, high school absences, anti-social behaviour, vaping and drugs.
Access and knowledge around services that can support them was also seen as an area that could be improved.
The session also updated in the Board on THINK! MYA which offers a range of tailored support to young people in Knowsley. From drug and alcohol awareness and healthy relationships through to nutrition and healthy eating, MYA offers something for everyone through intensive one-to-one mentoring, group sessions as well as a food hub and a clothes hub. You can find out more about the range of services and support available from THINK here.
Feedback from young people showed that mental health is a key priority for young people as well as being able to access support covertly. There are many mental services available in Knowsley, including KOGS, CAHMS, Listening Ear and Zuntold, but many young people are not aware of what services and support they provide and that the locations for accessing such services could be better located. In summary:-
- KOGS is a group of mental health support agencies working with children and young people based in Knowsley. We work together to get you the right support at the right time. You can find out more here.
- CAHMS (Child and Young People’s Mental Health Services) work with young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties, and their families. CAHMS is a specialist service, which means that referrals need to be made by someone who has met you and thinks CAHMS could help. That person might be your GP, health visitor, school health advisor, social worker or a paediatrician (a specialist children’s doctor). You can find out more here.
- Listening Ear is a thriving and developing charity and social enterprise, we’re here to help those who’ve been bereaved, suffered loss or experienced separation. You can find out more here.
- Zuntold provides online and face to face counselling and support using the power of creative writing and books as therapy. Available for young people aged 11-19 and up to age 25 for those with additional needs. Visit the Zuntold websiteto find out more.
Elena Lee from MYA said: “It’s really important that those who are making decisions that impact on young people’s health and wellbeing really understand what it is those young people value and need. Attending the Knowsley Health and Wellbeing Board provided us with an opportunity to share the voice of young people which will hopefully inform future decision making and ensure that such services are accessible to us.
The presentation was well received by the Board who committed to reviewing the recommendations from MYA, including improving access to support services, and an update will be shared at a future Board meeting.