A CHARITY that provides a lifeline to people suffering with mental health problems is in danger of folding. Dart Cool, which holds weekly meetings at Dartmouth Guildhall, will be forced to close its doors at the end of the year unless more funding can be found. And South Hams MP Dr Sarah Wollaston – who is patron of the charity and chairman of the Commons Health Select Committee – is calling on the Government to provide financial support to the independently-run organisation. Dart Cool started in 2005 when a number of people in Dartmouth wanted to set up a support group to help the growing number of individuals and families affected by mental illness, isolation and the increasing pressures of daily life. Since then the group has met every Thursday for mutual support, fun, skill sharing, outings and fundraising. But now, because of lack of funding, it needs help if it is to survive. Dart Cool is part of the mental health charity Cool Recovery which will see its Big Lottery funding come to an end in December. Co-manager Claudia Benzies said: 'Cool Recovery needs core funding of £120,000 per annum to continue but in the current conditions will close on December 31. 'Cool Recovery needs to be financially secure in order to continue supporting a growing number of people and families affected by mental illness.' The group started in 1999 and from modest beginnings in Blackawton it now has a house in Torquay. In 2012/13, there were some 33,589 attendances at activities. 'With these resources and the knowledge and experience gathered over 15 years, Cool has achieved something unique in the area of severe mental illness,' said Claudia. 'An extensive community has grown, currently including about 400 people, helping people cope with and recover from this isolating, stigmatising and potentially destructive condition. 'This reduces the pressure on families and friends, where they exist, and also on public services. 'We are told repeatedly how good Cool Recovery is, how valuable it is and how much it achieves to help people in their recovery. 'So far Cool has been living off its own wits, getting funded by the Big Lottery, Comic Relief, trusts, fundraising and private contributions.We can do so no longer, unless somebody steps forward to save us.' Dr Wollaston said: 'I am delighted to be a patron of Cool Recovery. 'They play a vital role, providing face-to-face support, activities and information for those affected by mental health issues, as well as their friends and families. 'The fantastic work they do is commended by our local health organisations but the work of volunteers does need to be backed up with some financial support for any organisation to be able to function. 'Cool Recovery is completely independently funded and receives no money at all from the Government at present. I would like to see this change, as I think it is often local grassroots groups that provide the most help to local communities. 'I hope that local [health] commissioners will recognise the extraordinary contribution they make to healthcare and well-being. 'I would like to take this opportunity to thank all their volunteers who donate their own time and skills.' Claudia said members had felt very welcomed by the town council staff at the Guildhall, who helped in all sorts of ways, from arranging the room for activities, displaying posters and generally promoting the group. The group also had a good relationship with GPs who had put up a noticeboard in the surgery for the latest news on mental health, she said.

More on this story in this week's Chronicle