Since our initial investment of £1.8 million in 2022, the partnership which is delivered by Cumbria Community Foundation has:
- provided funding to more than 20 charitable organisations to provide accessible, community-based mental health support services
- provided support to more than 5,000 adults and 2,000 young children and young people
- of those supported in the first three years, 61% reported improved mental health or wellbeing, 58% reported increased self-esteem and confidence, and 58% saw a reduction in stress and anxiety
Kelvyn James is an international mountain leader, qualified counsellor and volunteer with the Samaritans.
He founded the social enterprise Mental Health North West which secured £31,320 of funding via the partnership to deliver 120 guided walks over 3 years for people experiencing mental health issues.
Participants are not required to have had a formal diagnosis. They join the walks if they feel it would help them. There is no charge.
Kelvyn said:
It's a spectrum, from those who are suicidal to people experiencing a bad day. When we take them for a walk, it's an opportunity to talk.
We have one chap who says the walks are the only things in his life that he looks forward to. We have a lady who says it's the only time that she speaks to other people.
The partnership has 3 core activity areas: support to adults, support to children and young people, and to maintain recovery via the Recovery College.
More than 80 organisations who now meet regularly to understand the services available, how they can refer people to those services, and any gaps in support.
Confirming that our financial support to the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership will continue in this financial year, our head of corporate sustainability and supply chain development, Eirini Etoimou, said:
Continuing to empower the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership is a testament to our commitment to fostering resilience and well-being in our communities.
With the support of our Social Impact, Multiplied programme, and the dedication of the Cumbria Community Foundation, we are paving the way for innovative mental health initiatives that will uplift lives and strengthen the fabric of West Cumbria.
Annalee Holliday, head of grants practice and programmes at Cumbria Community Foundation, said:
We know that NHS mental health services in West Cumbria are overstretched, with long waiting lists, so the support which has been made possible by the West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership has been critical to thousands of people in real need over the past 3 years.
By working collaboratively, charities with shared aims can increase their impact and effectiveness, amplify their reach and combine resources.
If you or someone you know needs help with their mental health, please visit wcmhp.org.uk. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call NHS 111.
