A CORNISH mental health organisation is marking a special birthday, having spent three successful decades providing support and guidance to people across the county suffering and recovering from mental ill health.

Pentreath exists to support people living with mental health and emotional difficulties, and its aim is to help people believe in their own potential and achieve their goals; boost their self-esteem and believe in themselves; boost their confidence and get them job-ready; and brush up their skills.

Pentreath was set up by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly health authority in 1991 as part of the care in the community shake-up which saw the of deinstitutionalisation of mental health care in the UK.

The NHS’s industrial therapy provision in Cornwall was spun off into a standalone charity and Pentreath was born. Initially continuing to provide training and employment through in house social enterprises including a nursery and wood working workshop for former patients suffering from severe and enduring mental ill health.

A raft of new initiatives and projects followed offering support a wider range of people, including those suffering from depression and anxiety.

Since 1998 more than 25,000 people in Cornwall have been referred to Pentreath with countless positive outcomes with individuals’ mental wellbeing improved, qualifications achieved, and voluntary and paid employment secured.

Continually evolving over the years to suit their client’s needs, Pentreath’s core aim of promoting good mental health through personal development, education and employment has never changed.

Louise Knox, chief executive of Pentreath, said: ‘’I am proud of what we have achieved at Pentreath over the last 30 years and the work we have done to support our clients over that time. We have had some amazing success stories and there will be many more to come.

Goals

“The pandemic has had an impact on many different communities; however, we’re still taking referrals. We can help people move forward in life and achieve their personal goals and we’re pleased to be meeting clients on a 1:1 face-to-face basis again.”

Today the charity employs 135 staff who continue to support those aged 14+ located anywhere in Cornwall who require their services to help to build confidence, self-esteem, skills with the goal of accessing further training or employment.

Each year Pentreath receives around 2,000 referrals and to provide the best support, offer a variety of projects to their client group. The funding streams vary but is generally made possible by support from The National Lottery Community Fund, European Social Fund and NHS funding, amongst others.

Anxious

A past Pentreath client, recounting their experience, said: “I first became involved with Pentreath at a time in my life that was very difficult. Going through a divorce, raising two children on my own and feeling depressed and very anxious about finding employment.

“I was assigned an advisor who I met with fortnightly and whilst the end goal was to find me meaningful employment, I never felt under pressure. Having someone to discuss my worries with helped me gradually build my confidence. When I applied for a job and got an interview, my advisor supported me through the process, and I was successful in getting work that was right for me.

Support

“Having some in-work support helped calm my anxiety down and I was able to maintain the job.

“Pentreath literally changed my life for the better and I will always remain grateful for the support and encouragement I received.”

Pentreath continue to look for ways that they can work in partnership with other people. At present they have staff working in the local job centres, doctors’ surgeries and they are integrated within the community mental health teams. This provides great networking opportunities and allows a steady transition for people.

For more information about Pentreath please visit www.pentreath.co.uk or call 01726 862727.