Adults - Growing Together

We live in an increasingly competitive and stressful world. This is demonstrated by a significant increase in the numbers of people affected by mental health issues, including, but not limited to, anxiety, stress and serious depression. Whilst the government has concentrated its money upon providing services to those after the point of crisis and in-patients, little nationally has been done upon prevention provision. Over 2.5 million people per year consult their GP on mental health related matters. Local GPs estimate that in their average working day, at least half of their consultation time is mental health related. Trust Links, having recognised the gaps in services aims to fulfill this unmet need.

We aim to do this by providing a structured and caring environment where people can undertake activities with real purpose. They are able to access support from qualified staff, lend mutual support to others; gain help, guidance and qualifications so they can build confidence, acquire skills and opportunities that in the past they may have been denied. By taking this approach in a non-institutional way we have had remarkable success helping people gain independence, better health and new opportunities. Our work at present centres upon the Trust Links Growing Together Garden which provides a community garden for all, a place where one can find a sense of peace and tranquility and a haven from our stressful world.

We also run an organic garden with plants and vegetables that we sell as part of our training opportunities. We also provide training in horticulture and mental health awareness. In the coming year we hope to develop a training centre.

We see providing training and educational opportunities as an essential part of our work. We wish to help people into employment and out of the benefits trap. We feel this is not just important and beneficial for those who come to us, but the local community as a whole. Nationally, the CBI has estimated, the loss due to depression, anxiety and stress is around £4billion per year. People with mental health problems have the lowest rate of employment of any disabled people. There are more people on incapacity benefit with mental health issues, than the total number of people unemployed or on Jobseeker’s allowance. We all, therefore, have a real interest in being able to help people back to employment.

An important part of our service is building links between our beneficiaries and local communities so we can break down the barriers and stigma that surrounds mental health. This is why we are open for the public to visit and become involved with our work.