A PROJECT in Okehampton which helps people who are experiencing mental health problems is seeking support from local businesses to enhance lives and promote independence.
The Old Theatre Project is hoping some local firms will take on a volunteer for a couple of hours a week or even consider part-time employment for people who attend the day services in Okehampton.
During the past year, the project has been building links with community organisations in an effort to increase what they are able to offer service users.
Educational outreach worker at Okehampton College Christine Munkenbeck has enabled a number of interesting taster sessions to take place through the 'Stepping On' programme.
These range from creative writing to yoga, personal development and dowsing and will continue this year with special one-to-one sessions in computer skills and self expression.
The National Schizophrenic Fellowship (NSF) has been running day services at The Old Theatre Project for the past eight years and is committed to promoting quality of service, equal opportunities, choice, dignity and respect for people experiencing mental health problems.
One in four people will experience difficulties with their mental health in the course of a year and what the Old Theatre Project does is to provide a 'safe haven' where support is given plus an opportunity to socialise and participate in a wide variety of activities.
The activities include regular arts and craft sessions — the group's mosaic screen was displayed in Okehampton Library last October to promote 'World Mental Health Day' and one panel was even chosen by the NSF to use as a design for its Christmas card.
NSF manager Sally Mays said the project had recently linked up with Steve Newton of Artworks in Okehampton, who was running a Carnival Club to create walking exhibits for Okehampton Carnival in October and Richard Raymont of The Okehampton Photographic Centre, who was interested in taking on a volunteer.
She now hopes that more local businesses will come forward and offer their support by taking on a volunteer or a part-time employee from the project.
'We are also looking for volunteers ourselves, not only to work within the project, but to work individually with members of the community who feel lonely and isolated because of mental health problems,' she said.
'No experience is necessary, as training and ongoing support is given but it is essential to be a good listener and be prepared to offer regular commitment.'
Mrs Mays expressed thanks to all those who had given time and commitment to The Old Theatre Project's development including the Okehampton and District Council for Voluntary Service.
Day service users at The Old Theatre Project in Okehampton created a mosaic screen which they made to promote 'World Mental Health Day.'