A PIONEERING mental health project in York has celebrated its 10-year anniversary.

Converge is a partnership between York St John University and mental health service providers which offers free, high-quality educational opportunities to those who have experienced mental health issues.

The project was established in 2008 by Dr Nick Rowe MBE, Associate Professor in Theatre at the university, and offers arts and sport courses in a university setting to local people who use mental health services in and around York.

More than 1,000 people have taken part in the project, and organisers said this had led to a 30 to 60 per cent reduction in their dependence on local mental health services.

Dr Rowe said: “The development of Converge has progressively demonstrated the potential of offering educational opportunities to people who use mental health services, delivered by students and staff and held on a university campus. This has become the key principle which remains at the heart of Converge.

“Born of a unique collaboration between the NHS and York St John University, Converge continues to deliver educational opportunities for people with mental health problems and has now been piloted by partnerships in Leeds, Newcastle and in Oregon, USA.”

An anniversary event will be held at the university, including performances from the Converge Choir and Converge students to celebrate the impact the programme has had on improving their mental health over the last 10 years.

Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor at the university, said: “Nick’s passion and vision has inspired support from across the university to offer a range of Converge courses that provide life-changing opportunities to those who truly benefit from the power of education.”

Dr Rowe was recognised in the 2018 New Year Honour’s list with an MBE for services to mental health service users, and the university recently hosted the first international higher education mental health conference, Releasing Potential, to showcase and share the sector’s contribution to mental health practice and research.