LIVERPOOL City Council has today formally awarded 2 public health contracts that will support some of the City’s most vulnerable groups.

The contracts, that total over £100m, will enhance services for children and young people aged from 0-19-year-olds (or up to age 25 if they have special educational needs or disabilities or have left care), and will also provide an integrated drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service.

The award of the contracts was approved by the council’s Cabinet in November 2024.

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust, has been awarded the £61m 5-year contact for the 0-19 Public Health Service that will deliver a seamless, integrated approach to care.

Co-located in the city’s network of Family Hubs, the service will feature specialist roles in infant feeding, mental health, research, and safeguarding. Enhanced contact points for vulnerable children and families, coupled with a clear and robust offer for schools, underline the council’s commitment to reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes. 

The 2nd contract, worth £45m over 5-years has been awarded to Change Grow Live (CGL). This will be an all-age integrated drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service providing comprehensive that addresses both treatment and recovery. The new single-lead contractor model promises a visible, accessible, and inclusive service, tailored to meet the needs of people and their families. 

The service will adopt a neighbourhood-model approach, delivering holistic care with a strong focus on recovery and social reintegration. A dedicated website will also offer information and guidance, ensuring ease of access for those that need it.

Both contracts underline the council’s commitment to tackling health inequalities through innovative, evidence-based approaches as set out in Pillar 4 of the Council Plan – Healthier Lives for Children and Adults - and will commence on 1 April 2025.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, said:- "These contracts represent a significant step forward in how we deliver vital public health services in Liverpool. By focusing on integration, early intervention, and inclusivity, we are ensuring that families, young people, and those affected by substance use have access to high-quality, effective support. This investment is about transforming lives, reducing inequalities, and building stronger, healthier communities across our City." 

Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, said:-  “These contracts are a bold and necessary investment in the future health and wellbeing of our City. By integrating services and focusing on local needs, we are not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term improvements. This approach reflects our commitment to reducing inequalities and providing the right support, in the right place, at the right time, for every resident who needs it.”