Partners and colleagues gathered last week to celebrate the launch of the new peer support service, Zest.
The launch event was held at Preston Grasshoppers RFC, with over 70 colleagues getting together to learn more about the partnership.
Tom Woodcock, Director of Partnerships & Collaboration at The Calico Group, said: “It was great to see everyone all in one place and connecting with one another. It’s good to see how many people are working with us – and what a difference we can all make together”.
Zest is a partnership of care and support providers across Lancashire and South Cumbria, working together to offer mental health support, provided by support workers who have lived experience. Zest is funded by the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
Tom continued: “Diagnosable mental health problems affect 1 in 4 adults in every given year, so it’s important to make sure our services are accessible, and community based, to help bridge the gap to recovery”.
Speakers from each support service in the partnership – including Red Rose Recovery, An Inclusive Future CIC, Lancashire Mind and Acorn Recovery Projects – each did a small presentation on their service to help others learn more about what they do.
Anne Higham, Senior Peer Support Co-ordinator for Acorn Recovery Projects since 2019, shared: “We look forward to building the peer support service through the Zest partnership”.
As some people with mental health issues can find it difficult to engage with services, Zest bridges the gap using peer led support. They often work with people with depression, anxiety, addiction and severe mental illness.
Bev Webster, Mental Health Service Lead for Lancaster at Red Rose Recovery, shared her story which reflects why peer support is so important.
In her presentation, she said: “It’s not just a job for me. I’ve been there and I want to help people. When people are in a dark hole, don’t just hold out your hand. Get in the hole with them and give them a leg up”.
Phase two of the partnership will include supporting people with serious mental illness to attend physical health checks, as people with mental health and substance use issues have a life expectancy that is 15-20 years less than average. This offering is expected to be delivered in coming weeks.
Paul White, Managing Director of An Inclusive Future CIC, said: “We work in genuine partnership with those who can support our work – Zest is the epitome of that”.
Finishing off the day, Mark Welsh from the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Health Board, spoke about the importance of partnerships, working together and making a difference.
He said: “Today’s interactions show you all have a strong focus, get on well and want to provide the best services. A heartfelt thank you for what you all do”.
To learn more about Zest, please visit: wearezest.org
