‘Canerows and Plaits’ is a group of Sound Minds mental health service users who are dedicated to improving local mental health provision for people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. Formed just over a year ago, the group have already organised training for service users who make weekly support visits to Wandsworth mental health wards at Springfield and Queen Marys Hospitals. Consultation meetings take place regularly, and some practical improvements have already been promised, such as better attention to hair care for people in hospital.

Canerows and Plaits Chair Devon Marston says, ‘This is fantastic news. The grant enables services users to help themselves and bring about improvements to mental health care in Wandsworth’

For the future, the group are planning to expand the peer support idea to help people when they leave hospital.

Sound Minds new patron, Melba Wilson OBE is also National Programme Lead for Mental Health Equalities. 'I am delighted that Canerows and Plaits work has been recognised by this Comic Relief grant award. It underscores the impact that practical, grassroots measures can have in helping to create a real improvement in services for people from BME communities. Well done to everyone involved!’

Sound Minds CEO Paul Brewer says ‘It’s brilliant that Comic Relief are backing the project. ‘The ‘Canerows’ team have worked really hard over the last year to lay the foundations for this and now the project can develop and grow’. CONTACT RIMA WILLIAMS for information on training and the Have Your Say forums 020 7207 1786