New ‘SOS Liverpool’ scheme launches to connect the public with trusted local support

L-R: Liverpool City Centre PCSOs with John Hughes, Liverpool Nightlife CIC, beside one of the SOS Liverpool signs

A new city-wide partnership scheme, SOS Liverpool – standing for Search, Online, Support – has been launched to help residents and visitors quickly connect with trusted local services offering mental health, housing, domestic abuse, addiction, and wider wellbeing support.

Developed through a partnership of Citysafe organisations, including Merseyside Police and the Liverpool City Centre Joint Agency Group (CCJAG), SOS Liverpool will introduce prominent signage across key city centre locations. Each sign features a QR code linking directly to a new online support hub, offering immediate access to verified help.

These locations have been chosen using police and partner data, ensuring signs are placed where they can best support reporting of crime, reduce vulnerability, and help people access the support they need.

The scheme has been made possible through the 2025-26 Hyper-Local Policing Fund, awarded by the Home Office and secured by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner and Merseyside Police.

SOS Liverpool has been created to ensure that whether someone is struggling personally or seeking to support a friend, colleague, or stranger, they can quickly find safe, reliable, and trusted services. For emergencies, the advice remains the same: always dial 999.

Liverpool is proudly recognised as one of the UK’s safest and most vibrant night-time destinations. The city has retained its prestigious Purple Flag status for 16 consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to ensuring residents and visitors can enjoy a secure and welcoming nightlife environment.

The scheme complements the extensive work already undertaken by Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and its partners to keep the city centre safe.

Merseyside Police work closely with the Council to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour on the streets. In 2024, Liverpool’s CCTV network helped to deal with more than 3,000 incidents, including assaults, thefts, and criminal damage.

SOS Liverpool strengthens this partnership approach by giving people clear, discreet and immediate routes to support – helping prevent harm, reduce vulnerability and improve community safety.

By scanning the QR codes appearing on signage throughout the city centre, people can instantly access information and trusted services related to:

• Mental health
• Housing or homelessness
• Domestic abuse
• Addiction
• Community safety
• And a wider range of wellbeing needs

This brings together reliable local organisations in one place, making it easier to find clear and accurate support without navigating complex systems or unreliable information online.

The launch of SOS Liverpool coincides with Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action, taking place from Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June. This national week highlights the vital work of neighbourhood policing teams and partners, and SOS Liverpool is a clear example of that collaboration in action – bringing together police, the council and Citysafe partners to provide visible, accessible support that helps prevent harm, reduce vulnerability and keep people safe in the city centre.

Liverpool City Centre Neighbourhood Inspector Jack Woodward, Merseyside Police, said: “SOS Liverpool is about making it easier and safer for people to get the right support at the right time. Whether someone is in crisis or simply unsure where to turn, this scheme provides a reliable gateway to trusted services.

“Liverpool is a safe, welcoming city, and this initiative strengthens the partnership work already happening every day across the city centre.”

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene said: “Liverpool has consistently been recognised as a safe, friendly city, whether you’re out enjoying the nightlife or moving through the city during the day.

“There is support available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and SOS Liverpool brings these vital services together in one easy to access place, making it simpler for people to get help when they need it.”

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell said: “Merseyside is at its strongest when we work together, and SOS Liverpool is a powerful example of that partnership in action. By bringing trusted support into the heart of the city centre, we are making it easier for anyone who is struggling to find the help they need, when they need it most.

“This scheme is about reducing vulnerability, preventing harm and ensuring people never feel they must navigate difficult situations alone. Whether someone is facing issues around mental health, housing, domestic abuse or addiction, SOS Liverpool provides a direct route to reliable, local support.

“I’m proud that funding secured through the Hyper-Local Policing Fund has helped make this possible, and I want to thank all our partners for their hard work in bringing it to life. Together, we are building a safer, more supportive Liverpool for everyone who lives, works and visits here.”

More than 30 SOS Liverpool signs will be live across the city centre as part of a phased rollout.

Visit www.sos-liverpool.co.uk for more information.