GWR donation supports mental health and wellbeing of young people in Cornwall

The Headstart Kernow Young People’s Mental Wellbeing Legacy Fund that we run in partnership with Headstart Kernow and Cornwall Council received an additional £20,000 donation from Great Western Railway.

As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting community and not-for-profit organisations.

The funding has been used to support the partnership with Headstart Kernow on a programme enabling young people to access grants to support mental wellbeing.

CCF chief executive Tamas Haydu said: “The Headstart Kernow grant programme is open to local community groups, projects and individuals via referral agencies, to promote resilience and the emotional health and mental wellbeing of children and young people aged 10-16.

He continues, “What makes this programme unique is that it is led and shaped by young people with the necessary support, training and guidance. Young people have the opportunity to be involved from start to finish and we are thrilled there will be a young people’s panel making decisions on applications.”

Projects supported by the funding include the Dracaena Centre in Falmouth who are providing 8 cohorts of young people with the opportunity to take part in 6 sessions of activities and specialist support.  The Wave Project, based in Newquay, also received a grant to support 60 young people with mental health challenges or physical disabilities who will receive six weeks surfing tuition to lern a new skill and develop resiliance.

GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said, “We have a specific pot of money designed to support community and not-for-profit organisations. Previous beneficiaries of the Headstart Kernow programme have reported improved mental health and wellbeing and improved skills and opportunities, so we’re delighted to provide this funding.”

To find out more about Headstart Kernow, click here.

Apply for Headstart funding, here.