MERSEY Cares, the official charity of Mersey Care NHS Foundation, is asking Cheshire and Merseyside residents to again help deliver some festive magic to children and young people accessing the Trust’s specialist mental and community health services.

Last year’s ‘Secret Santa’ appeal helped provide almost 500 presents to our communities’ children and young people, delivering a small sprinkle of Christmas thanks to generous donations from staff and members of the public.

The charity has relaunched the appeal for 2025 with gifts from donations being sent on to children supported by services including Children in Care, Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the Specialist Perinatal Service, Liverpool Family Nurse Partnership, and the Smithdown Children’s Walk-In Centre.

Shelley Simmons, Team Manager for St Helens Children in Care, said:- “We’ve loved being part of the Secret Santa Appeal over the last few years. Christmas can be a tough time for children in care, so being able to brighten their day with a gift and a little festive cheer means the world to us. The smiles and gratitude remind us why this campaign matters so much. Thank you to everyone who helps make it possible. Your kindness truly makes a difference.”

Although the charity’s annual appeal is designed to help provide a special moment at Christmas for children, it can also have other positive impacts with one young boy with the St Helens Children in Care team receiving a selection box and an Amazon gift voucher last year, which encouraged him to open up conversation with his nurse after initially being unwilling to engage.

Items on this year’s Amazon Wishlist include worry monsters (soft comfort toys), books, including those to help children understand their emotions and about growing up, games and puzzles, baby items, toiletries, and gift cards for older children—allowing them the independence and confidence to choose something special for themselves.

How to become a Mersey Cares’ Secret Santa

• Choose a gift from Mersey Cares’ Amazon Wishlist (closes on Monday, 8 December 2025 although donations can be made right up to Christmas and beyond - it remains open all year round with a £5,000 target)
• Make a monetary donation and the charity will choose a gift on your behalf.

To find out more about the appeal and the services being supported, click here.