28.02.06
Pentreath's new 'Roads to Health' project offers a whole life approach to mental health in Cornwall

Cornish charity Pentreath's new 'Roads to Health' project will offer a 'whole life' approach to people who are recovering from mental health difficulties, specifically targeting some of the most disadvantaged wards in Cornwall, including: Bodmin St Petrocs, Bodmin St Marys, Gannel, Launceston, Mount Charles, St Blaise and Rock.

The project has been set up with investment from Objective One's European Social Fund and Jobcentre Plus and will run from 1 March 2006 to December 2007.

Project leader Gina Price, said: "People recovering from mental health difficulties often have a range of issues which exacerbate their problems. These can include a lack of confidence and self-esteem, unhealthy lifestyles, unemployment, financial insecurity and social isolation. We recognise the important part that work has to play in helping recovery. The focus of all our projects is on giving people confidence, together with the skills and training that will help them start the important journey back towards employment.

"The whole life approach offered by this project will be a wonderful opportunity for those people who are furthest away from the job market to remove barriers to employment, identify realistic goals - and achieve them. We will offer mental health education to all participants. This will raise their awareness of their illness, their treatment and triggers for relapse."

Four members of staff, called 'community bridge builders' will provide support to people taking part in a variety of recreational activities and will also provide personal development training through the 'roads to recovery' course.

People joining this course will attend one day a week for eight weeks, addressing issues such as: raising self esteem, self-motivation, communication skills, anxiety management, stress management, presentation skills, positive thinking and goal setting.

Once people feel that they are ready, they will be able to work with the community bridge builders to identify their chosen goals, moving on to employment-focussed activities such as job search, interview techniques, cv writing, application forms and supported work placements.

For further information please contact Gina Price on 01579 349389 or email: gina@pentreath.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Pentreath Success 1, 2 and 3 through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

Pentreath was formed in 1990 through an initiative of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Authority. They recognised the need for strategies that would meet both the 'Care in the Community' initiative and the future rationalisation of St Lawrence's Psychiatric Hospital.

The Health Authority took the courageous and forward-looking step of creating Pentreath as an independent charity, to take over and expand into the community what was then known as 'Industrial Therapy'. The organisation was named after Dolly Pentreath, who was believed to have been the last person to speak Cornish as her only language.

The Cornwall Healthcare NHS Trust (now the Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust) was formed in 1992, and has enthusiastically supported us ever since, helping us to grow, and to remain at the cutting edge of learning based work rehabilitation.

We employ 35 people, and run 14 projects spread throughout Cornwall. Last year we provided a service to 870 people, and of these, 70 moved into employment, 260 into further education, and 237 attended work placements with employers throughout Cornwall.

For further information and photo opportunities:

Gina Price
Pentreath Ltd
Unit 4A
Heathlands Road Industrial Estate

e-mail: gina@pentreath.co.uk
Tel: 01579 349389
Fax: 01579 349389
Mobile: 07738547076

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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