RICHMOND PARISH LANDS CHARITY

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 - Mental Health Priority Grants

Strategic Priority Grants

1. Art & Soul
A grant was provided for a special exhibition of artwork created by people with mental health problems. It is hoped that the event will gain increased participation with young people through partnership work with other organisations in the borough. The exhibition and the workshops leading up to it provide an important social and support network for those who do not attend centres. £5,000

2. Barnes Hospital
Keeping active and motivated can play an important part in a patient’s recovery. A grant was awarded to enhance the activities on offer on two wards in Barnes Hospital . These are supervised by Occupational Therapists and have been found to decrease the risk of falls or aggressive behaviour. Continuing the activity on discharge may also be therapeutic. £15,000

3. Central & Cecil
Laptops and SKYPE internet software were made available to vulnerable older people resident in Cecil Court , Kew . Communication with friends and relatives has the potential to make a significant impact on the mental well-being of older people and help to maintain a strong social relationship with family and friends who are not able to visit frequently. £6,000

4. Community Mental Health Team
Richmond CMHTs have recently been restructured. RPLC helped to facilitate an Away Day so that the two teams could establish ways of rising to new challenges. £1,500

5. Kingston Advocacy Group
To pilot a trolley information service at Queen Mary’s Hospital for patients and families affected by mental illness. Trustees also agreed to support an evaluation of the service in order to attract continued funding. £7,523

6. Mulberry Centre
The need to protect the mental well being of families affected by a diagnosis of cancer was recognised by an award to expand free provision of complementary therapies at this local centre. £10,000

7. RB Mind Timebank Project
Seed corn funding was awarded for the management of a project which will allow people with mental health problems to barter their time and utilise their skills. This will be based on successful models elsewhere. £25,452

8. Ham Friends
This community group received funds to improve a garden area at their meeting place in Ham and undertake art activities under the guidance of a local artist.£1,500

9. Richmond Royal Early Intervention
Trustees acknowledged the importance of vocational advice for those in recovery from mental illness. The expansion of the service at Richmond Royal Hospital received support through the funding of a short term post.£13,375

10. Riverside Lodge
A grant to fund a replacement minibus was made to allow users of this high support rehabilitation centre to access the locality in a secure means of transport. £14,926

11. SPEAR
To reflect the importance of social inclusion Trustees agreed a grant to recruit a short term worker to help individuals to identify and access appropriate vocational training and work placements. £12,635

12. Still Building Bridges
This established and growing group of adults who have experienced difficulties with their mental health received a grant to help them to consolidate a programme of activities. £3,000

© 2008 RPLC