A LIFELINE organisation that provides support to people suffering with mental health problems is in danger of folding. Dart Cool will be forced to close its doors at the end of the year unless more funding can be found. Now South Hams MP Dr Sarah Wollaston – who is patron of the charity and chairman of the Commons Health Select Committee – is calling on the Govern-ment to provide financial support to organisation. Dart Cool started in 2005 when people in Dartmouth set up a support group to help the growing number of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Since then the group has met every Thurs-day for mutual support and fundraising. But now because of lack of funding it needs help to survive. The group started in 1999 and from modest beginnings in Blackaw-ton it now has a house in Torquay. 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 commissioners will recognise the extraordinary contribution they make to healthcare and wellbeing. 'I would like to take this opportunity to thank all their volunteers who donate their own time and skills.'

************** Along with Dart Cool, there is also Kingsbridge Cool, South Brent Cool and Teignmouth Cool and Totnes people want to start a support group. The 'Cool House' in Torquay offers activities and meeting space seven days a week, including help, support groups, family work and a cafe. The Cool Recovery budget – all from donations, grants and fund raising – sees £70,000 spent on wages and the remainder on volunteer expenses, support groups, training, utilities, maintenance and running costs.