It is estimated that 1 in 8 young people aged between 5 and 19 have a mental disorder. Most can be treated within the community, but some require a more intensive programme of treatment and care.

Some of Cornwalls most ill and vulnerable young people have been sent hundreds of miles away from their family and friends to access psychiatric treatment. We are delighted that these young people can now be supported much closer to home at Sowenna, an NHS mental health unit in Bodmin run by Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The unit provides inpatient treatment for young people aged between 13 and 18 .

The Sowenna Appeal is raising money for equipment and therapeutic programmes that go above and beyond what the NHS provides. These will aid activities which will have a positive impact on the health, wellbeing and recovery of children and young people in Cornwall such as:

- A variety of sports (tennis, football and yoga)

- Gym and fitness equipment

- Therapeutic gardens for horticulture therapy

- Musical equipment and tuition

- Arts and crafts (including sculpture and painting)

- Cooking and baking

- Offsite activities using the Sowenna minibus