GRANTS to 12 mental health projects in Cornwall have been approved by the board of the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

One-off grants of £100 to £370 have been awarded to various organisations to improve the quality of life for people with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Recipients are Scilly's Memory Café; Bowman Thrills; MIND; the Oasis Centre; the Camel Club; and Pentreath Ltd. In the field of activities for young people, money went to Redruth Community Radio; Till Training; Survival Kit; chaplaincy volunteers; and Challenging Stigma – Hear Our Voice.

Each successful applicant has been asked to submit a short report by May 1 describing the impact of their grant.

Every year more than 8,000 people receive specialist mental health support from the trust, while many others are supported by their GP.

Chris Bell, deputy chair of the foundation trust's council of governors, said: "I'm thrilled there has been such interest in the first year of the Governors' Grants scheme.

"More than 40 applications were received, which demonstrates the huge interest and enthusiasm locally to support people with mental health and learning disabilities.

"Each was very different but offered an innovative approach to mental health care in the community or a way to tackle the stigma and social exclusion people with mental health problems often experience."

Vicky Wood, chairman of the foundation trust – Cornwall's first – said the grants were having a positive impact.

Impact

"I'm delighted at their success," she said.

"Our governors haven't even been in post for 12 months and they have already established a new way of working with their local communities.

"Although a relatively small amount, this £3,000 will have a very positive impact on the experience of people with mental health or learning disabilities.

"The trust's governors were keen to encourage innovation in the field of mental health care in the community, as well as initiatives to tackle stigma and social exclusion."