Inspiring Stories of Recovery and Hope During Mental Health Awareness Week

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, patients, service users, and mentors have shared their journeys of hope and recovery.

The Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health services for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, has highlighted a variety of experiences showcasing the impact of their support services. These stories span a range of services, from aiding young people to offering wellbeing courses for older adults.

Tom’s Journey: Overcoming Work-Related Stress

In November 2023, Tom experienced a mental health breakdown, primarily driven by work-related stress. Although he enjoyed his job, the stress led to recurring headaches and feelings of inadequacy in caring for his wife and daughter. Tom was referred to a mental health practitioner through his GP and attended multiple sessions. He was also directed to additional support services, including Man Down, which he continues to attend, finding them immensely helpful in his recovery.

For more information on support groups like Man Down, visit their website.

Supporting School Transitions: Callington Community College

The Early Intervention in Schools peer support programme, run by the Trust, trains secondary school students to mentor peers transitioning from primary school. Available in several primary and secondary schools in north and east Cornwall, this free programme addresses issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and friendship difficulties. Students at Callington Community College have benefited from this programme, helping younger children navigate the often challenging shift to secondary education.

The Trust aims to expand this programme in 2024 to ensure more primary school children receive this crucial support. Read more about the programme.

Hayley’s Experience with Perinatal Mental Health Support

Hayley, a mother of two from Newquay, was already under the care of Cornwall’s Eating Disorders service when she was referred to the Perinatal Mental Health Team. After the births of her children, Evelyn and George, Hayley received support that helped her overcome feelings of inadequacy as a mother. She now feels confident and assured in her role. The Perinatal Mental Health Team has recently been recognised nationally for their high-quality care by the Royal College of Psychiatrists Perinatal Quality Network.

To learn more about accessing perinatal support, visit the Perinatal Mental Health Team website.

Rosalind’s New Beginning with Young at Heart

Rosalind and her husband moved to Cornwall during the pandemic, a time when she was also coping with the loss of her parents and the challenges of retirement. She found solace in the Young at Heart therapeutic course, which helped her meet new people and engage in new activities, while also providing techniques to manage anxiety. This course, part of the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Talking Therapies service, uses cognitive behavioural therapy to combat isolation and improve wellbeing for those over 65.

For more information, visit the Talking Therapies website.

Peer Mentors Leading the Way in Employment Support

Michelle, Merlin, and Ben are peer mentors with the Individual Placement and Support service, using their lived experiences of mental health to aid others. This service, provided by Pentreath and Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, helps individuals with severe mental illness find competitive paid employment. The service emphasises that the willingness to work, not mental health diagnosis, determines the capacity for employment. Since its inception, it has successfully helped over 200 people secure jobs.

For more details on this service, visit the Individual Placement and Support service website.

These stories highlight the diverse and impactful services provided by the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, demonstrating the significant strides being made in mental health support across the region.