CHAOS Group Marks World Mental Health Day by Showcasing the Impact of Its Support Programmes in Cornwall

This World Mental Health Day, Cornwall’s CHAOS Group is celebrating the life-changing impact of its inclusive programmes and drawing attention to the growing need for community-led mental health support across the county.

From equine therapy and horticulture to suicide prevention and mentoring, CHAOS – which stands for Community Helping All of Society – has supported thousands of people in Cornwall to reconnect with education, employment and a sense of purpose.

Building Confidence and Purpose

“We support people in Cornwall facing mental health challenges through a range of inclusive and empowering programmes,” said Jess Strongman, a Director at The CHAOS Group.
“Our aim is to help individuals build confidence, self-esteem and practical skills while rediscovering their place in the world.”

One example of their work is the story of Joe Johns, a volunteer who first joined CHAOS in 2019.

“Joe joined as a quiet and anxious individual – struggling with eye contact, closed-off body language, and a tendency to blend into the background,” continued Jess.
“Over time, through the support of the CHAOS Farm Group, one-to-one mentoring, equine therapy, our ‘Men Outside’ suicide prevention programme, and civil volunteering, Joe began to flourish.

“He developed a strong sense of self, built confidence in social settings, and became a lead volunteer – highly employable and full of potential.

“Joe has now temporarily left CHAOS to pursue a university degree, and we couldn’t be prouder. He’s a credit to himself, and we look forward to welcoming him back during the holidays to hear about his next chapter.”

📷Credit: CHAOS Digital

Finding Strength Through Support

“When I first came, I couldn’t really talk,” recalled Joe. “I had really bad social anxiety. Over the years, as CHAOS has changed, I’ve changed as well, and I’m now able to have this conversation with you.

“Jess cultivates an amazing group of people. It’s just so compassionate, so empathetic, so warm and so lovely.

“Being outside, being in the elements and knowing that I’m making a difference growing produce and helping people out as well – just seeing the impact I’m having directly week on week – it’s an amazing place.
“You can do a lot of personal development here and meet so many wonderful people.”

📷Credit: CHAOS Digital

Rebuilding Lives Across Cornwall

CHAOS’s impact can be seen through many similar stories. ‘S’ overcame years of isolation to attend yoga sessions and beach walks, while ‘C’ rediscovered confidence through cooking and self-care.

‘MP’, a participant since August 2023, arrived at CHAOS in crisis – struggling with severe depression, self-neglect and suicidal thoughts. With help from CHAOS and partner organisation CLEAR, he began a slow but steady recovery. From walking his dogs and managing his finances to volunteering at his daughter’s garage, ‘MP’ has rebuilt his confidence and self-worth.

‘SO’, a former Navy serviceman, faced severe paranoia and poor mental health before finding support through CHAOS and veteran support CIC Active Plus. With their help, he rediscovered his passion for fitness and found purpose through volunteering.

After rebuilding his confidence, he completed a course with Active Plus and is now preparing to start a new job as a helicopter mechanic.

“Before I had contact with you, I had resigned myself to the idea that I would never work again,” ‘SO’ wrote in a message to his support worker. “I’m really grateful.”

📷Credit: CHAOS Digital

Calls for Greater Mental Health Investment

Stories like these come as the need for mental health support in Cornwall continues to grow at an alarming rate. CHAOS has seen calls to its Mental Health Crisis Line rise by 90%, while its community services now support over 6,000 people each year – double the number from just a few years ago.

“Cornwall faces significant challenges in mental health provision, marked by workforce shortages, long waiting times and limited access to specialist care, particularly in rural and coastal communities,” concluded Jess.
“These figures underscore the urgent need for investment, innovation and community-led solutions to ensure timely, equitable mental health support across Cornwall.”

For more information on CHAOS Group’s mental health programmes and for contact details, visit https://chaosgroupcornwall.co.uk/

📷Credit: CHAOS Digital