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Our Impact

How our work is helping people across Devon

Youโ€™re helping us to change lives

If youโ€™ve supported or amplified our work in any way โ€” whether thatโ€™s as part of a fundraiser, a donation, an event, or just sharing something on social media โ€” youโ€™ve made a direct impact on Devon Mindโ€™s ability to help people across Devon living with mental health challenges.

We think itโ€™s crucial to illustrate the real-life impact our mental health services have on people every day, to show how the generous funding and support from individuals and organisations across the county are used. We also hope that by sharing these testimonials, quotes and experiences, we may reach people who arenโ€™t yet sure about reaching out for help, to show them that they can, and should, take the first step to better mental health.

โ€œMy Recovery Practitioner

managed to make me understand

how my brain works personally

and that it wasnโ€™t my fault. It

was the first time in my life that

I felt enlightened and able to

understand my brainโ€ฆ The

coping mechanisms have been

life-changing, and when I can

implement them, they really

help.โ€

โ€” 1:1 Emotional Support Client, 2025

โ€œMy counsellor was brilliant.

I strongly recommend her.

She was very empathetic and patient with me. She allowed

me to explore all my anxieties, insecurities, and vulnerabilities

in a very safe environment, which gave me clarity and focus for the future.โ€

โ€” Counselling Client, 2025

โ€œI felt like I was in a place in my life

where I was stuck in my anxiety and

grief, but this support felt so personal,

and life has finally become colourful

again.โ€

โ€” Sara, 1:1 Emotional Support Client, 2025

 

Our impact in 2025

Check out our full report below to discover the stories behind the numbers, learn how our services evolved to meet growing demand, and celebrate the individuals, organisations, and communities who supported our mission.

 

Testimonials

What happens when you step into cold water each week?

In this short film, youโ€™ll hear directly from those who took part in our 8-week cold-water swimming course at Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon. Through guided weekly immersion, they found more than just a physical challengeโ€”they discovered a sense of calm, connection, and community, along with meaningful improvements to their mental wellbeing.

Spencer reached out for help with his mental health and received support from one of our Recovery Practitioners. In this video, he reflects on how he found the process and how it helped.

Highlights from our Plymouth Harbour 10K: Sunday 28 September 2025

246 incredible runners came together to fly the flag for better mental health around the picturesque Plymouth harbours from Mount Batten to Commercial Wharf. Thank you so much to everyone involved in supporting our flagship event, including our Headline Sponsor, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.

This video includes a testimonial from an attendee on our popular Trauma, Shame & Self-Care course in Plymouth. Content warning: Contains mentions of violence and trauma.

Impact reports

Our impact reports look back on our work over the previous 12 months, including our priorities, results, and successes. Click the buttons below to read our latest impact reports.

Flying the flag further for better mental health across Devon from January to December 2025.

The next chapter: Taking advantage of new opportunities to increase our reach across Devon from April 2022 to March 2023.

Responding to the fallout of a pandemic: How we worked in new ways between April 2021 and March 2022.

Adjusting to a new landscape: How we responded to new challenges and increased need from April 2020 to March 2021.