CHESHIRE and Merseyside residents are being invited to become ‘Secret Santas’ to help children in care or those facing difficult circumstances experience the joy of receiving a gift at Christmas.

Across the region there are many children who will not experience the excitement of waiting for Santa to appear on Christmas Eve so Mersey Cares, the official charity for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, has re-launched its popular ‘Secret Santa’ appeal to help rectify that.

Michael Crilly, Mersey Care’s Director of Social Health and Community Inclusion, explained:- “Christmas is a time of year that many of us look forward to, spending time with family, friends and loved ones, but for many people it can be a time of year they dread because of hardship and isolation. We know many people will be counting pounds and pennies in the build-up to the festive period, but if you can spare any it will really make a huge difference to children across the region.”

Mersey Cares is asking those who can to buy a small gift from the charity’s Amazon Wishlist, which has been carefully curated by Mersey Care staff. It includes toys and games, books, toiletries, baby items and vouchers and each item has been selected to bring joy and comfort to children and young people receiving support through Mersey Care's services.  

Gifts purchased will be sent directly to Mersey Care services, including Children in Care teams across the region, Family Nurses supporting 1st-time teenage parents in Liverpool, and the Trust’s Carer Engagement Team, which provides vital support to young carers across the Mersey Care footprint. These young carers look after siblings, parents, and other family members with long-term physical and mental health conditions. 

Additionally, Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services and Health Visiting services in Sefton and Hampton Road are seeking gifts to warm the hearts of those they support. 

These services support some of the most vulnerable children, young people, and families in the region, and the Secret Santa Appeal aims to bring a little extra cheer to those who may face a difficult time this Christmas. The appeal also encourages monetary donations so the charity can purchase a gift on your behalf. 

How You Can Help:- 

• Choose a gift from Mersey Cares Amazon Wishlist, featuring items carefully selected by Mersey Care staff
• Make a monetary donation to the appeal to help provide additional gifts and support. 
• Share the appeal with your friends, family, and colleagues to spread the word
• More information and learn more and get involved in the appeal.