A CHARITY that has provided a vital service to some of Farnham’s most vulnerable residents for more than 20 years has warned its very existence is threatened by public sector cutbacks.

Creative Response is an arts-related charity which is in its 24th year in Farnham. Practising artists work alongside some of the most vulnerable adults, not only from Farnham but from across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

Participants are vulnerable due to mental health issues, learning difficulties, physical problems, substance misuse or simply being older and socially isolated.

Enabling creative art practice across a range of mediums helps many to cope with their anxieties, to find their creative voice and to build self-esteem.

As one of the charity’s participants explained in her testimonial: “All the chatter in my head, all the daily preoccupations, all the clutter of worries and the clamour of angst and anguish slowly subside as I become absorbed in the process of creating a drawing or a painting.”

Surrey has had a strong history of providing support for a range of services to cater for those who are most vulnerable in society.

However, although the profile of mental health has been raised in recent years and the government has acknowledged its importance, local authority funding cuts have had a direct impact.

Director Julie Wise said: “I have seen those that are most vulnerable being failed by the system.

“For more than two decades, Creative Response has been able to maintain the wellness of many individuals, and statistics have shown that most participants have been less likely to relapse, or end up at A&E, to attempt suicide or to be held within the criminal justice system.

“I recognise that there have been government cuts to the council budgets but surely it is near-sighted to cut funding for services that keep the most vulnerable members of society well?

“The cost to society as a whole is far reaching and beyond monetary, and we believe that we have a duty of care as a society.”

For the past two years, the Government has allowed local authorities such as Surrey County Council to increase council tax by an additional three per cent in order to fund adult social care, on top of the standard 1.99 per cent rise allowed without triggering a referendum.

However, even if Surrey had implemented a 15 per cent council tax rise this April, as initially proposed prior to last Tuesday’s dramatic climbdown, Creative Response believes the council would still have struggled to meet the growing needs of those dealing with mental health difficulties in the county.

“Our funding from local authorities has drastically changed over the past year,” Julie continued.“From April onwards, many of our participants without private funding, will be limited to a 12-week programme.

“Some of our participants have been with us for 20 years and severe and enduring mental health problems are clearly not solved in 12 weeks.

“We are hoping to provide transition groups for many participants to be part of a peer mentoring service to enable them to build coping mechanisms for daily life through their art practice.

“Our statistics show that the vast majority of our participants show improved motivation, increased social engagement, enhanced self-confidence and resilience, a more relaxed state of mind, better concentration, increased self-expression and self-understanding, and a stronger more positive sense of self.

“We are therefore seeking to raise funds for bursaries that could help provide some continued, regular support from those most in need. The majority of those identified as needing continuing support have no means to fund the service privately.

“We are keen to engage the local community in wider fundraising activities and are presently applying for a grant to enable us to employ a local candidate with fundraising expertise.”

Kerry Kelly, chairman of the charity’s board of trustees, added: “We are evolving as a local charity and developing new programmes, and are aiming to reach a wider group of people in our community who would benefit from our services.

“The mental health problems experienced by many of our young people, have recently been highlighted by our Prime Minister, Theresa May, and this is an area we are keen to collaborate with local schools, colleges and the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham on.

“We have also identified a need for services for older people, dementia sufferers and for carers and are currently working with StopGap, the integrated dance company based at Farnham Maltings on an Arts Council funding application.

“However, the biggest financial burden to our services is the annual rent and service charge that we pay for our home at Vernon House, by the library in Farnham.

“Sadly, we may have to consider moving to more affordable premises, while trying to maintain public transport access for many participants, to enable us to keep our doors open.

“We are open to working alongside other charities and organisations in the community if it provides us with a way to continue the support of our services to those in need.

“If you can help or if you require more information about Creative Response or are interested in being involved or supporting us in any way, please get in touch.”

For more information or to contact the charity, visit the website www.creative

responsearts.org email contact@creativeresponsearts.

org or call 01252 716876.