Confidential Support for Professionals
If you work in health, social care, education, emergency services or any professional role, you give a lot of yourself to others. It can be easy to prioritise everyone else’s wellbeing ahead of your own. If alcohol or drugs are affecting your health, your work or your relationships, you do not have to manage it alone.
We offer confidential support for professionals across Wirral. You will be treated with respect by a team that understands the pressures you face and the importance of privacy.
You’re not alone
People who support others can sometimes struggle to ask for help themselves. Many professionals come to us because they want to make a change, but feel unsure where to start. We are here to help you take the next step, at your pace.
How we can support you
• A confidential space to talk about what is going on
• One-to-one appointments focused on you and your goals
• Harm reduction and safer use guidance if you are not ready to stop
• Support to cut down or stop using
• Access to clinical services if needed
• Help with stress, trauma and mental health
• Advice if drug or alcohol use is impacting work or relationships
• Family support if your loved ones are affected too
Flexible ways to get support
• Appointments in person, by phone or online
• Evening and weekend availability (subject to agreement)
• No need to tell your employer unless you choose to
Your privacy
You will be in control of what information is shared. We will never contact your employer without your consent unless we are concerned about your safety or somebody else’s. We will explain confidentiality clearly at the start.
If you’re worried about consequences at work
We understand that many people worry about job security when reaching out for help. You can speak to us anonymously at first if that feels safer. Together we will look at what support is right for you and how to manage any concerns.
Take the first step
Reaching out is a brave and positive move. Our team is on hand to help you get started.
If you want advice about alcohol, we’re here to help.
Take our quick quiz to understand how much you’re drinking and get advice.
When you’ve answered the questions we’ll give you advice about alcohol and what to do next. Your answers are anonymous and not saved anywhere.
Are you worried about your drug use?
This short quiz looks at your drug use and how it might be affecting your day-to-day life. It only takes a minute.
Your answers are anonymous and not saved anywhere. You will get some tailored advice at the end. If you are worried about someone else’s drug use, you can still complete this to understand things better.
Support for NHS staff
If you work within the NHS, you spend every day caring for others. The pressures of frontline work can take a toll on anyone. Long shifts, trauma exposure and constant responsibility can sometimes lead people to rely on alcohol or drugs to cope. If this is happening for you, reaching out for help is a strong and responsible step.
NHS staff across Wirral, including colleagues working for Cheshire and Wirral Partnership and Wirral University Teaching Hospital, can access support through Wirral Ways. You will receive confidential care from our experienced teams who understand the unique challenges you face. You can come to us directly without needing to tell your line manager if you are not ready to.
There is also a specialist option available if you prefer to speak with someone linked to your workplace. The WUTH Substance Misuse Team offers confidential support to staff who may be struggling with their use of drugs or alcohol. You can contact them privately on 07909 906 199 to ask for advice or to arrange a conversation.
Whichever route feels right for you, you will be met with understanding, not judgement. Taking action now can help protect your health, your career and your wellbeing.
Last Updated on 26 January 2026