Community Support Services

Apex Trust

Apex Trust supports individuals to move away from a lifestyle which may encourage offending or re-offending.  They provide information, advice and guidance through face to face and outreach.  A major barrier to finding work for people with a criminal record is overcoming employer resistance and Apex Trust provides specialist advice and support to help individuals to deal positively with the disclosure of criminal convictions. 

The support is for those aged 18+ who reside within the St. Helens Borough and will work with Advice and Guidance Officer Diane and Trainee Hannah. Diane and Hannah will support those in ETE which in turn reduces their chances of re-offending.


Breaking Down Barriers to Employment

The Apex charity delivers support to help those with complex, multiple needs to overcome the barriers they face in moving from dependency on welfare and crime to becoming self-sustaining members of communities. They have long-standing knowledge of how best to address the impact of a criminal record through appropriate forms of disclosure and apply this knowledge to support both job-seekers and employers.

The Trust also work with people over many years to help them develop the skills, attributes and the knowledge they need to improve employability and secure paid employment. Their work has helped many people with criminal records to  move into further and higher education, access training or start voluntary work, and secure and sustain paid employment (including self-employment).


Plan Bee Café

Apex Charitable Trust is proud to present Plan Bee, a Community Coffee Shop which opened in January 2020 at their new site on North Road, St Helens, Merseyside.  Plan Bee provides opportunities and career advancement for people who reside in the Liverpool City region and have a criminal record.  Learn new skills and enhance your work experience by joining our Hive as one of their volunteers. Receive free accredited training in many different areas including barista skills, food hygiene, cookery skills, customer service, to name a few.

If you are interested in being a part of this and taking advantage of their 5 step programme then please contact below:

Mobile: 07787 789479 (Plan Bee)

Mobile: 07795832045 (Kim)

Email: K.hughes3@apextrust.com


Women's Hub - Wednesdays 10am – 12pm

The ‘HUB’ offers the wider adult female community living in St Helens a safe and welcoming space to address social isolation, develop their creativity and express themselves through well-being activities (yoga, mindfulness) and arts and crafts in a weekly social group.

To find out more contact Diane or Hannah on 01744 612898.


Young at Heart - Thursdays 10am-12pm

This group is running for anybody that can travel to the café; the age range is from 60+. The aim with this group is to get the older generation back into socially mixing with people since Covid has took a toll on them visiting friends/family and being able to do their day-to-day activities. During the group sessions they try to involve generalised chit-chat as well as activities to suit everybody’s needs, such as board games, arts and crafts, quizzes or just a simple coffee morning as well as trips out.  The group is on Thursdays 10am-12pm with a light lunch. To find out more, contact the team on 01744 612898.


Men’s Mental Health – Tuesdays 10am – 12pm 

Apex Trust launched the men’s mental health group after men they were supporting on a 1-1 basis told us how much they struggle with mental health, and how they find there are few places local they know where to go to. The project idea was modelled on the Women’s hub factoring in different activities. Having been successful in securing funding to deliver this group, the group has gone from strength to strength and is run every Tuesday morning with an average of 6-8 men attending each week. The staff at PlanBee can, if needed, give advice and help with things such as social security benefits, housing, and employment. Staff can also help people get counselling if they feel they need it. We also encourage men to try new things.

To find out more contact Diane or Hannah on 01744 612898.


Apex Trust/Plan Bee Community Coffee Shop: 13 - 15 North Road, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA10 2TW

Phone: 01744 612898 (main office)

Plan Bee: 07787 789479

Email: sthelens@apextrust.com

Web: https://www.apextrust.com/welcome


If you would like to refer someone into their service, you can complete the Apex Trust Referral Form and send by email.


Apex Trust also run the My Meals Scheme at their Plan Bee Café on North Road - Further information on this can be found on the Foodbank and Food Schemes page here 

Come Together Hub

Come Together offer a welcoming, safe space - an inclusive public support hub. The Hub supports the vulnerable, who have reached out to them for help, and the ones for whom the service have reached out to provide help. They aim to reach out to as many people as possible to provide the support they need. Their mission is effective and simple: Come Together and strive for happier and healthier communities for all. They run the following groups/projects (for 18-55 year olds):


  • Yoga & Meditation Therapy - a special place to unwind and relax


  • Media Group - Come and get involved with the hubs very own new podcasts and media sessions 


  • Horticultural Therapy - Gardening can help to reduce stress, anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.


  • Sports Therapy - Understanding the fundamentals of sports therapy can greatly benefit your physical well-being.


  • Football Therapy -  weekly 5-a-side football games are a super friendly, and popular event, and is open to everyone, regardless of skill level.


  • Community Outreach Programme - dedicated Outreach team meet every Saturday morning ready to embrace the weather, to provide a little food and hope to some of our vulnerable citizens who unfortunately have no where to call home.


  • Wellbeing Support Group - a friendly Wellbeing support group for each and every member of our community who are feeling alone, isolated, who would like to learn a new hobby or just in need of friendship. They provide the chat, the crafts, the fun so come along you will always be welcomed.


The Come Together Weekly Schedule for 2024 (with dates, times and locations) can be found on the Hub website here: www.cometogetherhub.com/services.html


Alternatively, you can find more information on the Live Well Directory here: www.thelivewelldirectory.com/Services/10067

Haydock West End Churches


Christ Church Haydock

Christ Church holds regular groups including:

  • Junior Youth Club on a Tuesday 6:30pm to 8pm  (primary school age)
  • Girls Brigade on a Wednesday (primary school age 6:00 - 7:15 pm, 7:30 - 8:45 pm secondary school age)
  • Parents & Toddlers group on a Thursday 9:15am-11:15am
  • Messy Church (dates announced on Facebook Page) Saturday 3pm -5pm, once a month from September to April. Games, crafts, fun and food. Free to all families, children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Family Worship and Sunday Club - 10:30am every Sunday


Address: Christ Church Haydock URC, West End Road, Haydock, St Helens WA11 0AX

Email: neil-fairhurst@hotmail.co.uk

​Telephone number - Neil Fairhurst (Church Secretary): 01744 635163

You can view the weekly timetable here: www.christchurchurchaydock.co.uk/weekly-timetable 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/christchurchhaydockurc/


New Life Church Haydock

New Life Church holds regular groups including:

  • Sunday services take place every week from 11:00am - 12:00pm
  • Bible Discussion on Mondays, 7:30pm -9:00pm
  • Prayer Meeting on Wednesdays, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
  • Ladies Meeting - The first Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm the ladies meet. The venue changes from month to month as the ladies in the congregation gather to have a time of fellowship where they can be encouraged and built up in their faith.


Address: Phythian Street, Haydock, St. Helens, Merseyside, WA11 0AH

Email: info@newlifechurch.co.uk

Website: www.newlifehaydock.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/newlifechurchhaydock


St Mark's Church Haydock

St Mark's Church offer a range of groups, for children, youths and adults:


Under 5's

  • Little Stars, Under 5s learn how to make friends and enjoy a safe, welcoming atmosphere. Sundays at 10am.


5-11 year olds

  • Voyage Juniors, an after school club for Year 1 - Year 5. £1 per child including activities and refreshments. Alternate Mondays at 3:30pm.
  • All Stars, learn about the good news of Jesus through fun activities, games whilst making friends. For 5-11 year olds, Sundays at 10.00AM


11 year olds and over

  • Voyage Youth Group. Voyage Youth takes two forms:

        Wednesdays 6.30pm- 8pm  – meeting in the Church Centre for pool, football table, karaoke, switch, table tennis, food, games and a brief bible                  thought.

        Sundays 10am – Meeting as part of the Sunday morning service, heading out to grow deeper in faith through breakfast, games, videos and great            discussion.


Adults

  • Brew & Renew -  Free weekly activities, refreshments and optional prayer and reflection time. A quiet shared space where it is okay not to be okay.
    Wednesdays 2pm -4pm
  • Golden Oldies -  Refreshments, games and great company for over 60's over lunchtime. Wednesdays 12pm - 2:30pm
  • Ladies Meeting - Friends meet to enjoy interesting speakers, community, trips out and cups of tea. Every other Tuesday 2.30PM (please contact directly for upcoming dates)
  • Gardening - A monthly Roots, shoots and fruits club for green fingers. Every Tuesday & Wednesday Morning from 10am and last Saturday of the month at 2pm.
  • Brick Church - aimed at 8-16 year olds, all under 16 year olds must be accompanied. Fun Church time with bricks and Lego free build time. Includes food and refreshments, every 2 weeks on a Sunday 4pm - 5:30pm (please check website/Facebook for dates).


Address: St Mark’s Church, West End Road, Haydock St Helens, WA11 0AX

Telephone: 01744 602641

Email: office@stmarkshaydock.org

Website: https://stmarkshaydock.org/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stmarkshaydock

Hope Centre

The Hope Centre, St Helens is a multifaceted charity hub of support, advocacy & practical support. They are dedicated to serving those in our community who are most in need through various projects, courses and training opportunities. The Hope Centre projects include:


Baby Basics

The Baby Basics Project distribute Moses Basket Starter Packs to expectant mums and families who need a little extra help when preparing for the birth of their baby.


The centre are currently accepting donations of:

  • Baby Clothes (0-6 months) – New/As New condition only.
  • Baby Towels
  • Moses Basket Sheets


For Mum:

  • Maternity Pads
  • Shower Gel
  • Shampoo


Please get in touch with the Hope Centre for further information and to make a referral.


ReStore St Helens

ReStore CIC is connected to The Hope Centre. They restore donated furniture and sell it on at low cost to help people on low incomes.

ReStore are located at 62 – 64 Peckers Hill Road, Sutton, St Helens, WA9 3JQ with a showroom and workshop. You can drop in and speak to the team, during opening hours: 10:00am – 3:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.

Telephone: 07399 437541

Email: julie@restoresthelens.org.uk

Website: https://changingcommunities.org.uk/


The Hope Centre contact details

Address: The Hope Centre, Atherton Street, St Helens, WA10 2DT

Telephone: 01744 26414

Email: info@hopecentre.org.uk

Website: https://hopecentre.org.uk/


Note for Staff: The Hope Centre offer the Breathe Programme as well. Further information about this can be found on the Mental Health page here

The Centre also offer digital drop ins each Friday, details can be found on the Employment, Education & Volunteer page here

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

If you live in Merseyside, you can phone 0800 731 5958 for free fire safety advice or to request a Home Fire Safety Check visit, where free fire safety advice will be given, including the importance of having working smoke alarms on each level of your home and making sure everyone knows how to escape if a fire were to start.


Many residents on Merseyside will be eligible for the fitting of free smoke alarms, particularly those over the age of 65 and anyone who is referred to the service by one of their partner agencies.


Requesting a visit can be particularly important in the case of an elderly or vulnerable friend or relative, or someone who may have mobility issues or sensory impairment. You can request a Home Fire Safety Check for yourself, a neighbour or relative.


The Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service offer an online Home Fire Safety Check tool for use by Merseyside residents. The tool, created by the National Fire Chiefs Council, can be accessed by clicking the button on the website.  By using the online tool, people can explore whether they – along with loved ones or neighbours – could be at greater risk from fire. The innovative tool offers help and advice and will automatically trigger a visit from MFRS if a person is noted as being at higher risk. Website: www.merseyfire.gov.uk


If you are, or you know someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, there is important information on their website here: www.merseyfire.gov.uk/safety-advice/advice-for-the-deaf-or-hard-of-hearing

St Helens Community Centres

Interested in enrolling in a new course, want to start a new activity, need a local venue for a meeting or event, thinking of volunteering? Then contact your local Community Centre to find out more.


The Community Centres in St Helens include:

St Helens Menopause Café

At a Menopause Café people gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss menopause. The Café is held in an accessible, respectful and confidential space. It is open for all, regardless of gender or age and with no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product or course of action. It is run on a not for profit basis.

St Helens Menopause Café meets every last Wednesday at Taylor Park visitor centre (Taylor Park, Regents Road, Saint Helens, WA10 3HX) between 1pm-3pm. No need to book.

Regular updates can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Amajo22

Email: menopausecafest.helens@gmail.com

TANGO

T.A.N.G.O. provides resources and support for our community. TANGO stands for: Together As Neighbours Giving Out, serving and helping those in need by building trust and fellowship, mirroring Christian values. The charity offer a wide variety of affordable furniture, clothing, household goods and much more. Open to all, their prices are low and they accept vouchers from St Helens Council and Torus Housing for essential homeware. 


Community Café

The café is a lively community hub and offers a warm welcome to all. They hold a ‘Golden Oldies’ lunch on Wednesdays at 12 noon where you can enjoy lunch with the friendly group. Whether you choose to come in for a brew and a natter, lunch with the kids or want a place to have some time alone with a book, TANGO are here for you.


Warehouse

TANGO have a large warehouse which stocks a wide variety of items. They rely on kind donations to their charity therefore the stock changes all the time. The warehouse regularly stock items such as beds, table and chair sets, televisions, stock pots and wardrobes. You will find an array of homeware such as plates, cups, glassware, cutlery and bowls. For the kids there is a selection of toys, games and books. There is a selection of vinyl, CDs, DVDs and books too. Come and have a look around, you never know what you will find!


Shop

The shop within the warehouse stocks men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing, shoes and accessories. You will find a selection of jewellery and underwear near the counter and baskets of baby grows, bibs and hats. There is a range of bedding, cushions, curtains and even pictures available. TANGO are happy to offer FREE local school uniform to those who need it along with some school shoes and PE kit. They rely on kind donations so stock stock varies week to week.


Address: TANGO, Park Street, Haydock WA11 0BG

Telephone: 01744 607388

Email: tangoadmin@stmarkshaydock.org

Further details, including opening times can be found on the website here: https://tangohaydock.org/

The Vision

The Vision's ethos is all about removing the power imbalance and empowering others. This programme empowers others by using various therapeutic models to build resilience and develop social and emotional tools. This Inner programme is delivered by therapeutic social workers & lived experienced experts.


Inner Spark, Outer Voice

This group is for care experienced children and young people who have a social worker or personal advisor in St. Helens. The purpose of the group is for children and young people to have a voice and make changes within their own local authority. Each session is underpinned with social and emotional activities to support children & young people to develop more skills to support their well being. The sessions are co-facilitated by a social worker and a care experienced expert who acts as a champion and role model for care experienced children and young people in St. Helens. 


There are 2 age groups, primary school to age 14, and age 15-25 years old. Each group meets on a Tuesday on a fortnightly basis, 4pm-6pm. They meet at the Futures Hub within the Beacon building (address is within the poster). There is parking next to the Beacon Building and also free parking at Clifton Street car park. 


If you know a child or young person who would like to attend, please email thevisioninformation@gmail.com and the team will provide you with a short referral as to best meet your child's needs. Inner Spark, Outer Voice Poster


Inner Spark Programmes

The Vision are facilitating two Inner Spark programmes that are focused on supporting our asylum seeking & refugee community. 


Open Session at Park Farm Community Centre

On Thursdays 3/3.15-5pm they hold an open session at Park Farm Community Centre. This is open to individuals and families (male and female). There is a large number of the asylum seeking & refugee community who attend and engage in social and emotional activities to support them to develop resilience based on the trauma that they have experienced. This group is also open to anyone in the community who would like to engage in social and emotional activities. The group is facilitated by a therapeutic social worker and a care experienced expert. The focus is on integration and supporting everyone in St. Helens to have a sense of belonging.  Inner Spark Park Farm Thursday Poster


Young Male Group at the Beacon Building

The Programme also includes a male only group for our unaccompanied asylum seeking young people who are in St. Helens. The group is to support the young people to develop social and emotional skills, as well as support integration. The group is also facilitated by a therapeutic social worker and a care experienced expert from St. Helens. The group engage in a range of activities such as boxing, graffiti art, water sports, ice skating, creative arts and life skills such as interview practice and developing CVs. This Inner Spark group meets on Thursdays 4pm-6pm. This group is based at the Futures Hub within the Beacon Building in St. Helens. Please contact the team beforehand, as sometimes the group may be within the community doing an activity. Email address is thevisioninformation@gmail.com


The Vision

Website: www.thevisioninfo.co.uk 

Email: thevisioninformation@gmail.com 

Mobile: 07385606390

Willowbrook Stores
Willowbrook currently have 10 shops including a large furniture Donation Warehouse and Distribution Centre covering St Helens and Knowsley. View specific locations here: https://willowbrook.org.uk/shop-locations/

Willowbrook also have an Ebay shop which can be viewed here:  www.charity.ebay.co.uk/charity/i/Willowbrook-Hospice/161685

The shops stock a huge variety of pre-loved items including clothes, homewares, books and furniture.

By donating your good quality unwanted items to your nearest Willowbrook shop, or by popping in and buying yourself something new, you’ll be helping Willowbrook reach even more people in your local community when they need it the most; from those patients with a terminal illness that need specialised care, to their loved ones who benefit from the charity's bereavement support.


Fundraising & Retail Office: Willowbrook Hospice, The Living Well, Borough Rd, St Helens WA10 3RN
Telephone: 01744 453798

Page Last Updated November 2024

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