Mind Cornwall: Promoting Mental Health in the South West

In June 2023, Whistlefish supported Cornwall Mind through our 1 Good Cause campaign, donating funds linked to greeting card sales on Whistlefish.com.

The campaign was created to support a different charity each month by fundraising through card sales, helping causes that matter to our community here in Cornwall and beyond.

Why Cornwall Mind matters

Cornwall may be a beautiful place to live, but many people across the county still face mental health challenges. Isolation, lower incomes, rural access, the cost of living and other pressures can all make life more difficult for people who are already struggling.

Cornwall Mind says that over one in four people experience a mental health problem in Cornwall, making good quality mental health support, advice and information vital.

This is why charities like Cornwall Mind are so important. They offer local support for people who may be vulnerable, isolated or finding things difficult.

Who are Cornwall Mind?

Mind is a national charity with around 100 local Mind charities across England and Wales. Cornwall Mind, formerly Carrick and Restormel Mind, was formed in 2019, though both Carrick and Restormel Mind had already been supporting local people for many years.

Cornwall Mind describes itself as a local mental health charity here to help people in its communities improve their mental health and wellbeing. Its services focus on recovery and aim to empower people to take control of their own wellbeing.

Cornwall Mind’s vision and mission

Cornwall Mind’s vision is that everyone experiencing a mental health problem should receive support and respect.

Its mission is to provide advice and support for people experiencing mental health problems, campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote better understanding of mental health across Cornwall.

If you are supporting someone who may be experiencing depression, our guide on what to write to someone with depression may help you find gentle, thoughtful words.

How Whistlefish supported Cornwall Mind

During the June 2023 1 Good Cause campaign, purchases of selected Whistlefish greeting cards online helped support Cornwall Mind’s work to improve mental health services and support in the county.

Cornwall Mind’s message was clear: support given locally helps people in Cornwall who are struggling with mental health difficulties in their own communities.

Cornwall Mind is affiliated with Mind nationally, but it is independently registered and funded. It depends on fundraising and donations to continue its work across the community.

Each year, demand for support can grow as more people seek help with their mental health. As a small local charity with limited funds, meeting that need is an ongoing challenge.

Services provided by Cornwall Mind

Cornwall Mind’s wellbeing service supports people across Cornwall, helping them build resilience and move forward in their recovery.

The charity offers face-to-face and online recovery-focused groups and activities for people who are struggling with mental health difficulties. These services can provide social contact, friendship, peer support and professional support.

How to get support from Cornwall Mind

People can find out about current Cornwall Mind services by visiting cornwallmind.org. The website includes a referral form and current service information.

If people have questions about Cornwall Mind’s services, they can email info@cornwallmind.org.

Cornwall Mind also offers a range of wellbeing groups, including peer support, creative and community-based activities.

“I hadn’t felt so safe or been surrounded by such friendly and understanding people in a long time.”

You can learn more about Cornwall Mind wellbeing groups on the charity’s website.

Cornwall Mind also runs Five Ways to Wellbeing programmes across Cornwall.

“I have been on this programme and found it very helpful. I was worried about meeting people but made to feel very welcome. I would strongly recommend doing this course if you need to build confidence and build an understanding of how to help yourself.”

You can read more about Five Ways to Wellbeing through Cornwall Mind.

How to support someone with their mental health

Mental health challenges can arise unexpectedly and affect people at any stage of life. It can help to learn how to recognise signs of anxiety or depression, and to offer patient, compassionate support.

Useful Whistlefish guides include what to write to someone who has anxiety and how to recognise depression.

You can also help by creating a supportive environment. Listening without judgement can be powerful when someone trusts you enough to open up about how they are feeling. Sometimes, what a person needs most is a calm, compassionate presence.

Ways to help Cornwall Mind

There are many ways people can support Cornwall Mind’s work in the community, from fundraising and volunteering to sharing its message.

• Choose Cornwall Mind as a charity of the year.
• Explore corporate partnerships.
• Shop through Easyfundraising.
• Volunteer with Cornwall Mind.
• Become a trustee.
• Take on a personal challenge and fundraise.
• Hold a fundraising event, such as a bake sale or charity 5K.
• Create a Facebook fundraiser for Cornwall Mind.
• Share Cornwall Mind’s social media posts.
• Follow Cornwall Mind on Facebook and Instagram.

During the original June 2023 1 Good Cause campaign, donations did not apply to sale cards, card packs, luxury cards, Christmas cards or cards on promotional offers.