Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support uses Innovation Funding for outdoor activities
The Devon Mental Health Alliance Innovation Fund has been awarded to Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support by our Community Mental Health Development Leads in Plymouth & West Devon.
Devon & Cornwall Refugee Support (DCRS) is an asylum seeker charity based in Plymouth. The organisation looks after people arriving into the region and provides a service including help with their asylum case, support with mental and physical health, and a programme of wellbeing activities that takes into account individuals’ mental health.
With a small grant from the Innovation Fund, DCRS intends to set up a project encouraging service users to take advantage of natural spaces, and through interaction with nature provide a safe space to relax and alleviate social isolation. This project will run for six weeks and will include costal and rural environments within public transport of Plymouth.
Craig Walker, Activities Co-ordinator at DCRS, explained:
“Our grant from the Innovation Fund has been used to provide outdoor clothing to our service users, so that we can better access green spaces. This equipment has made a big difference for service users who want to enjoy the benefits of nature and physical activity. Many asylum seekers face challenges such as poverty, isolation, trauma, and mental health issues. Having access to suitable clothing has helped them overcome some of these barriers and participate in outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and canoeing. ”