Adventure inspires new fundraising drive for mental health
A sailing voyage for mental health service users from Suffolk has been the inspiration to launch another fundraising drive to offer adventure for recovery.
The Early Intervention in Psychosis Team, based at Wedgwood House in Bury St Edmunds, aims to raise £9,000 in the first wave of fundraising for ongoing adventure therapy, which will include climbing Snowdon.
Psychological therapist Joanne Walkling said: “There is a growing body of evidence to show that taking part in physically challenging activities, alongside a supportive team and in an awe-inspiring natural setting, can have a hugely positive impact on outlook and wellbeing. Adventure Therapy can be the turning point in a recovery journey, where confidence and self-belief are rebuilt following a difficult experience.”
Earlier this year, Suffolk EIP service users and staff sailed 208 miles from Ipswich to Portsmouth on a 22m sailing yacht as part of the Voyage to Recovery, which was organised with other EIP teams to circumnavigate the British coast.
“Service users have said that they benefited greatly from this experience and have inspired us to continue fundraising to offer other Adventure Therapy opportunities in the future,” said Joanne.
One service user said of the voyage: “After coming back from it, I've realised that anything is possible and not to shy away from any challenges because you think it's too hard for you. I'm going to take that forward.”
Plans so far include a residential trip to North Wales, when participants would be able to make the climb up Snowdon.
NSFT’s Chief Nurse Anthony Deery said: “It is fantastic to see initiatives such as this. Outdoor activities can have a huge benefit to one’s mental health and this kind of challenge can be a great way to boost confidence and help people work as a team. It shows people who suffer with mental health issues what they can achieve and is a stepping stone on the way to recovery.”
Just Giving link to support the fundraising