Cornwall mental health alliance was born out of the need to respond to people and communities, and the theme of mental health is a key issue, especially as we respond to the impact of the COVID19 pandemic. Chaired by Carolyn Webster, CEO of CLEAR with support from Ellie Richards, our Community Engagement Officer. The alliance is comprised of organisations ranging from wellbeing promotion to crisis intervention and recovery support, working with children, young people, and adults. Our alliance is a space for insight sharing, discussions and collaboration, working to develop and champion mental health provision across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The Mental Health Alliance met on Nov 8th, with exciting news about new projects that are being rolled out over the next few months, such as eco-therapy sessions, outdoor horticulture groups, blue health and mindfulness sessions, creative writing and art groups, walking groups, work with men and boys recovering from sexual abuse, and employers training in Mental Health First Aid. There was a sharing of news of peer support groups developing, and awareness raising of a peer support forum run by Cornwall Mind. The Alliance discussed finding solutions to the problem of inappropriate referrals, wanting to avoid the situation of turning people away from their service. Several suggestions were made to alleviate this, and a working group will meet separately to continue this topic. We also discussed the news that there is potential for a collaborative approach to bidding for and distributing a new substantial five-year funding pot from the ICB around prevention work. We are awaiting the details of this fund but aim to work together to write the bid. Finally, we announced the new ESF funded VCSE Learning Academy, and welcome requests for training (both accredited and non-accredited) from the VCSE sector.
We welcome alliance participation from voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. If you represent a charity, CIC, community group or social enterprise which works to support those people affected by mental health issues, please get in touch with Ellie.
All of Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum’s alliance use the same alliance agreement as a code of conduct.
