Innovation Fund grant awarded to Cognivity CIC for ongoing creative sessions
The Devon Mental Health Alliance Innovation Fund has been awarded to Cognivity by our Community Mental Health Development Leads in Plymouth & West Devon.
Cognivity is a community interest company (CIC) based in Plymouth which delivers workshops and other projects using creativity as a therapeutic vehicle to support recovery and mental health maintenance.
Funding from the Devon Mental Health Alliance Innovation Fund will help to keep running Cognivity’s ‘Creative Growth’ project, which provides ongoing weekly creative sessions in a safe, supported learning environment for people with significant mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, clinical depression or anxiety, and more. All sessions are facilitated by a qualified specialist mental health creative coach.
In their application for the Fund, Cognivity explained the following about Creative Growth:
“Our approach and service highlight what an individual can achieve and be inspired by. Our project offers an individual a programme for them, and only them, which helps to build confidence and, most importantly, resilience.
It offers new and ongoing members alike the opportunity to grow, progress creatively, add to their existing skill set, and reach their potential. For those members who feel education is appropriate for them, we provide the means to prepare and apply for degree qualifications, or adjust their transferrable skills for employment or volunteer activities. ”
A member of Creative Wellness, a previous project, stated the following about the group:
“The art group has been the one saving grace in my life that has enabled me to enjoy life again. It has enabled me to get out of the flat — made me engage with people instead of being stuck at home with my own destructive thoughts. This has meant that instead of negative influences I have positive influences, which in turn lead to positive thoughts.
Being part of the group has given me a sense of belonging and has challenged me in positive ways. The group has really been a lifesaver, bringing me out of my shell and making me feel more fulfilled. I would be lost if the group ever folded.”
If you work for a VCSE organisation in any area of Devon that is working towards delivering innovative support to people experiencing severe mental illness, why not apply for an award from our Innovation Fund? Grants of up to £800 are available.