West Horsley Place Trust – the charity established to save Grade I listed West Horsley Place and its surrounding estate so that they can be enjoyed by the public – is delighted to announce a new partnership with Woking Mind to promote mental health and wellbeing for the people of Surrey.
Through a co-ordinated, long-term programme of activities at West Horsley Place, the two charities will seek to make a major difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Surrey – an initiative needed now more than ever before with many people struggling with their mental health as a result of Covid-19.
From arts and crafts activities that support good mental health to heritage and nature activities for people experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis, the programme at West Horsley Place will be widely accessible and will seek to help people overcome social isolation. There will also be Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and training days for health professionals and for companies looking to educate employees in workplace wellbeing.
The partnership will help West Horsley Place Trust take a further step towards its vision of ensuring that West Horsley Place contributes to health and wellbeing. It has evolved from Breathing Spaces, an initial project collaboration between the two charities which is exploring how outdoor activities can improve the wellbeing of people who need help with their mental health. This initial project has received support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Commenting, Ben Pearce, Director of West Horsley Place Trust, said:
“Our charity was founded to ensure that, once saved, West Horsley Place and its surrounding estate would become a welcoming space for the community to share and enjoy, and wellbeing is at the heart of our vision.”
“By working in partnership with other charities, including Woking Mind, we will maximise the impact activities here will have, and it will make sure that the programmes we offer bring real benefits to our wider community. We are looking forward to welcoming people to West Horsley Place as soon as the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines allow so that we can begin to trial a wider range of activities with Mind.”
Tony Bennett, Chief Executive of Woking Mind, said:
“Having identified a common belief that by working together we could in the long term make a major difference to the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Surrey, we are delighted to be announcing this partnership. Woking Mind will provide the expertise and experience of working with individuals to promote their mental health and wellbeing, and West Horsley Place Trust will provide a beautiful and unique environment in which to conduct a comprehensive activities programme.”
“The pandemic has had a huge impact on mental health for many of us and more people than ever are desperate for support. This partnership will not only help our service users but will also have an important part to play in promoting wellbeing across the community.”
The charities will now seek funding to support the programme.
For further information about West Horsley Place:
For further information about Woking Mind:
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