Cornwall CAMHS Goes Wild! Receives £150,000 Funding Boost for Youth Mental health program
Newquay,Cornwall – A pioneering mental health initiative supporting young people in Cornwall has been awarded notable funding too expand its nature-based therapeutic programs. The “CAMHS Goes Wild!” project, run by the cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Children and Adolescent mental Health Services (CAMHS), received £150,000 from NHS Charities Together, a national organization supporting NHS charities.
The funding will be instrumental in delivering a comprehensive nature-based lifestyle medicine program for individuals aged 14 to 17. CAMHS Goes Wild! provides a unique community space in Newquay, offering both educational resources and vital mental health support services. This approach recognizes the growing evidence linking access to nature with improved mental wellbeing, particularly amongst adolescents.
“This funding will enable us to deliver a nature-based lifestyle medicine programme,” explained Molly Jenkins, clinical associate psychologist for mid Cornwall CAMHS. “We believe that connecting young people with the natural environment can be a powerful tool in promoting positive mental health and resilience.”
The program aims to address the increasing demand for mental health services among young people in Cornwall. Recent statistics from the NHS indicate a rise in reported mental health concerns among adolescents, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and accessible support systems.Nature-based interventions are gaining recognition as a cost-effective and holistic approach to mental healthcare,offering benefits such as reduced stress,anxiety,and improved mood.
NHS Charities Together distributes funds raised through public donations and fundraising events, supporting projects that enhance patient care and wellbeing across the UK. This investment in CAMHS Goes Wild! reflects a commitment to prioritizing youth mental health and exploring innovative solutions to address this critical issue.
The Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust encourages young people and their families seeking support to explore the resources available through CAMHS,including the “Goes Wild!” initiative. Further data can be found on the Cornwall FT website: https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/camhs/.