ACCEPT
ACCEPT is a charity in Leicestershire that was set up to provide support to people with severe and enduring mental health issues. It established a network of friendship groups across the region, and more recently its focus has been on developing a therapeutic gardening project based in the town of Barwell. People are referred to ACCEPT, and can take part in various activities including weekly wellbeing gardening days, mindfulness-based courses, bereavement friendship groups and teambuilding workshops. Around 70 people benefit each year.
The Foundation has agreed a grant of £6,000 at its February 2021 meeting. This will contribute towards salaries to enable the running of the project over the following year. Anticipated outcomes for people who are supported by ACCEPT include: improved confidence, self-esteem and health with a reduction in symptoms of poor mental health; reduced feelings of isolation through an increase in social contacts; and a reduction in stigma and discrimination through making new connections with the community.
