Cornwall’s leading grant giving health charity for the promotion of health and wellbeing
and the prevention of sickness in Cornwall and The Isles of Scilly
can apply for grants to help reach their objectives
Chair's Report for the Duchy Health Charity AGM 10 November 2025
Introduction
As I prepare to step down after ten years as Chair of Duchy Health Charity, I do so with deep gratitude for the extraordinary people who have shaped this organisation over the past quarter-century. From when I joined the Board of Trustees in 2001 to 2025, more than thirty Trustees have served on our Board – each bringing their own expertise, compassion, and commitment to improving health and wellbeing across Cornwall. Their collective wisdom has guided us through transformation, challenge, and growth.
Some names are etched into the very foundation of our Charity. Michael Galsworthy, who served as Trustee and Chair before becoming our President and now Honorary President, offered steady leadership and strategic foresight. Ian Hamilton, one of our founding Trustees, is remembered with great affection and respect. Trustees such as Ian Pawley, Deborah Clark, John Hyslop (past Chair), Robert Robins (past President), Richard Robinson (past Company Secretary and Treasurer), and Tracie North (past Vice Chair) helped shape our governance and community engagement, laying the groundwork for the Charity’s enduring values.
In more recent years, we’ve benefitted from the insight and dedication of Trustees like Sally-Jane Coode (past Vice Chair), whose stewardship of the Grants Committee set a gold standard for scrutiny and fairness; Tim Guy, whose creative leadership transformed our communications and website; and Jonathon Croggon, whose financial acumen strengthened our investment strategy. Carol O’Brien and Aldyth Hambly-Staite, now serving as Associates, continue to offer their wisdom and continuity.
We’ve also welcomed a new generation of Trustees who have brought fresh energy and expertise. Tracey Roose, with her national perspective on ageing and wellbeing; Simon Burnett, whose investment knowledge has enriched our decision-making; and Lucy Walsh, whose public health experience in Penwith and with young people, has been invaluable to our regional initiatives. Their arrival marks a generational shift – one that ensures our Board remains dynamic, diverse, and deeply connected to Cornwall’s evolving needs.
In addition to those already mentioned, throughout my tenure, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many others: Mark Williams, Dr Tamsyn Anderson, Dr John Evers, Professor Anthony Woolf, Gaynor Coley, Olivia Miller, Jenny Taylor, Katy Hutchinson, Mary Grigg, Mary Vyvyan, James Robinson and approximately 30 more! Each has contributed uniquely to our governance, strategy, and community outreach. Their legacy lives on in the culture of integrity, curiosity, and compassion that defines our Board.
Together, these individuals have helped Duchy Health Charity award nearly £10 million in grants since 1990, while maintaining our founding investment of £5 million. They’ve guided us through governance reform, pandemic response, and the launch of pioneering initiatives – from social prescribing for young people to the opening of the Enys Centre in Penzance.
It has been my privilege to serve alongside them. Their legacy is not just in the minutes of meetings or the balance sheets – but in the lives touched, the partnerships forged, and the culture of trust and innovation they’ve helped build. As I pass the baton, I do so with confidence in the Board’s continued leadership and with pride in what we’ve achieved together.
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic Achievements and Impact
Over the past decade, Duchy Health Charity has grown from a respected grant-maker into a strategic catalyst for health innovation across Cornwall. Our work has remained rooted in our founding purpose – to prevent illness, facilitate change, and build partnerships – but the ways in which we’ve delivered on that mission have evolved dramatically.
We’ve responded to urgent need with agility and compassion. In 2020, as the pandemic threatened the survival of small charities, we released over £120,000 in emergency grants to support organisations working in domestic abuse, addiction, and family support. This rapid response helped prevent service collapse and reinforced our reputation as a flexible, values-driven funder.
At the same time, we’ve deepened our strategic focus. Our investment in social prescribing – particularly for children and young people – has positioned Duchy Health Charity as a national leader in preventative, community-based mental health support. From the early Integrated Health Centres at Budehaven, Hayle and Penair to the opening of the Enys Centre at Humphry Davy School, we’ve championed models that empower young people, reduce anxiety, and improve school attendance. The early models of Integrated Health Centres on school sites were the focus of a briefing that a team of Trustees did for HM, the King, then the Prince of Wales, at St James’ Palace.
A further example of Duchy Health Charity’s impact is described in the evaluation by Dr Lynda Dawson of the University of Exeter (2024). She confirmed the transformative impact of link workers in two schools and a GP practice on students, families, and staff.
We’ve also expanded our definition of health and wellbeing. Our grants have supported boxing clubs, literacy initiatives, sports centres, and faith-based organisations – recognising that health is shaped by confidence, connection, and opportunity. We’ve funded infrastructure, innovation, and inclusion, always with an eye toward sustainability and long-term impact.
Our partnerships have flourished. We’ve strengthened ties with Cornwall Community Foundation, CHAOS Group, and the Rotary Club, and we’ve joined national networks like NCVO and Cornwall VSF. These relationships have helped us amplify our voice, share learning, and influence policy.
Internally, we’ve modernised our governance, refreshed our Board, and launched a new website that streamlines grant applications and improves public engagement. We’ve reviewed our policies, refined our Articles of Association, and maintained financial stability – all while keeping our core investment intact.
Duchy Health Charity has evolved far beyond its origins as a straightforward grant-maker. Today, the organisation serves as a facilitator, convener, and highly trusted partner within Cornwall’s health sector. This transformation is a direct result of collective endeavour, careful strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to effecting positive change in the community.
A key feature of the Charity’s approach has been its leadership in convening the sector through high-profile events. The recent conference on Working Well stands as a testament to this, building on the success of previous gatherings focused on Social Prescribing, Mental Health, complementary therapies, and the integration of health initiatives within school environments. These events, often known in the past as the President’s Lecture, have provided valuable platforms for shared learning and the promotion of innovative ideas throughout Cornwall.
We even ran a series of breakfasts around 2017 to try to reduce ‘silo’ thinking – Michael Galsworthy called it ‘Thinking Across Boundaries’. Participants came from every health sector, Cornwall Council, education and the wider community. The purpose was to discuss ways of collaborating, avoiding unnecessary competition and repetition across services to the benefit of patients and service users throughout Cornwall. Coincidentally, many of the ideas that emerged then can be seen in the recently published national strategy for the NHS.
Financial Overview
Duchy Health Charity’s financial model remains one of its greatest strengths: a core investment of £5 million, carefully managed, has enabled us to award nearly £10 million in grants since 1990 – without eroding the original capital. This is a testament to the wisdom and diligence of our Finance Committee, the oversight of our Treasurer and Company Secretary, Mark Williams, and the prudence of successive Boards.
In the financial year ending March 2024, we awarded over £500,000 in grants – our highest annual total in more than 15 years. This reflects both the scale of need across Cornwall and our confidence in the organisations we support. Our grant-making continues to prioritise sustainability, community impact, and alignment with our strategic aims: prevention, partnership, and innovation in health and wellbeing.
Grant highlights 2023-2025
Organisation | Amount | Purpose |
Humphry Davy School (Enys Centre) | Major award | Creation of an Integrated Health & Wellbeing Centre for young people |
Launceston Health Hub | £35,000 | Addressing health inequalities of young people through community-based support |
Wadebridge Sports Centre | £50,000 | Enhancing physical activity and wellbeing facilities |
Dentaid | £20,000 | Mobile dental services for underserved communities |
Truro Boxing Club | £5,000 | Youth engagement and improving mental health through sport |
A Band of Brothers | £15,000 | Mentoring and resilience-building for young men |
Truro Methodist Church | £20,000 | Community wellbeing initiatives |
National Literacy Trust | £6,000 | Supporting literacy as a determinant of long-term health |
These awards reflect our broad and inclusive understanding of health. We recognise that wellbeing is shaped not only by clinical care, but by confidence, connection, and opportunity. Our funding has supported everything from dental vans and boxing gyms to school-based mental health hubs and literacy programmes.
Strategic Grant Making
We’ve also invested in longer-term initiatives:
- Five-Year Social Prescribing Strategy (2024–2029): Funding youth-focused models in Truro, Penzance, and Launceston, in partnership with CHAOS Group, local schools and a GP practice.
- Mermaid Centre Fund: Stewarding and investing funds on behalf of Mermaid (RCHT), with options under discussion for refurbishment to enhance the patient experience
- Awards Scheme Development: Under the guidance of Tony Woolf, we’ve reviewed our awards scheme and are establishing a Cornwall-wide recognition programme to celebrate excellence in health-related practice. The first of three planned conferences was held recently and successful schemes related to wellbeing in the workplace were rewarded.
Our grant-making process has matured significantly. The Grants Committee – led by Sally-Jane Coode and, recently by Gay Coley – has refined its methodology, ensuring that applications are assessed with rigour, empathy, and strategic alignment. We’ve also enhanced our feedback and support for applicants, with our Administrator playing a key role in guiding organisations through the process.
Strategic Partnerships
Duchy Health Charity’s strength lies not only in its funding capacity, but in its ability to convene, collaborate, and catalyse change. Over the past decade, we have built and nurtured partnerships that extend our reach, deepen our impact, and reinforce our reputation as a trusted ally in Cornwall’s health and wellbeing landscape.
Our relationship with Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) has matured into a meaningful collaboration. By joining their Grants Committee and sharing our processes, we’ve helped strengthen local funding ecosystems and explore joint initiatives that benefit communities across the Duchy.
We’ve also developed a close working relationship with the CHAOS Group, whose creativity and commitment to youth empowerment have aligned beautifully with our social prescribing strategy. While both organisations remain independent, our shared vision has enabled us to co-develop models that are now being piloted in Truro, Penzance, and Launceston.
Our engagement with Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) through the Mermaid Appeal Trust has opened new possibilities for capital investment and support. Through the refurbishment plans, we’ve demonstrated our ability to steward funds responsibly while remaining responsive to evolving needs.
Beyond these formal partnerships, we’ve remained open to new collaborations—with sports organisations, faith groups, and emerging charities. We’ve offered due diligence, strategic advice, and funding where appropriate, always balancing flexibility with rigour.
Organisational Development
Internally, Duchy Health Charity has undergone significant transformation. We’ve reviewed and updated our Articles of Association, refreshed our governance structures, and recruited new Trustees who bring expertise in public health, investment, and ageing. This generational renewal has lowered our average Board age and broadened our perspective.
Our website redevelopment has been a major milestone. It now serves as a user-friendly portal for grant applications, public engagement, and data analysis. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with users praising its clarity, accessibility, and design.
We’ve also strengthened our policy framework, ensuring that all documents are reviewed, logged, and scheduled for future updates. This attention to detail reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Throughout these changes, our Administrator, Helen Newton, and Treasurer, Mark Williams, have provided exceptional support. Their professionalism and dedication have been instrumental in maintaining our operational health and enabling our strategic ambitions.
Social Prescribing and Youth Mental Health Innovation - A Vision Realised
Over the past decade, Duchy Health Charity has emerged as a national leader in developing and funding social prescribing models for children and young people—a group historically underserved by mainstream initiatives. While adult social prescribing has gained traction across the UK, our work has focused on extending its benefits to younger populations, particularly those facing anxiety, exclusion, and economic precarity.
Our journey began with the creation of Integrated Health Centres in schools such as Budehaven, Hayle and Penair, and later Humphry Davy. These centres offered non-clinical, relational support – link workers who could listen, guide, and connect students to activities that build confidence and wellbeing. The recent opening of the Enys Centre at Humphry Davy School in Penzance marks a major milestone in this journey. It is now fully operational, with a management board in place and partnerships forming with organisations like Trelya and Penwith GPs.
The evaluation by Dr Lynda Dawson (University of Exeter) confirmed what we had long believed: that social prescribing in schools can transform lives. Her findings highlighted:
- Improved attendance among school refusers
- Reduction in aggressive behaviour
- Positive engagement from parents and staff
- Relief for teachers in an era of constrained services
- A growing sense of trust and belonging among students
Strategic Expansion
In 2024, we launched a Five-Year Social Prescribing Strategy (2024–2029), committing funds to develop youth-focused models in Truro, Penzance, and Launceston. These sites were chosen for their diversity, need, and readiness to innovate. Our partnership with the CHAOS Group has been instrumental in shaping this strategy, offering creative, community-led approaches that complement school-based provision.
We’ve also addressed barriers to access—such as transport, financial limitations, and social anxiety. These remain persistent challenges, but our funding and advocacy have helped surface them in regional and national conversations.
Why It Matters
Youth mental health has declined sharply in recent years, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, and disengagement. Economic precarity, housing insecurity, and social isolation compound these issues. Duchy Health Charity’s response has been bold, preventative, and relational – offering young people not just services, but connection, agency, and hope.
Our work is recognised beyond Cornwall. We’ve presented at regional webinars, contributed to national discussions, and shared our models with other funders and policymakers. The Enys Centre, in particular, is seen as a replicable blueprint for integrated, school-based wellbeing support.
Closing Reflections and Legacy
As I bring this final report to a close, I do so with a profound sense of pride in what Duchy Health Charity has become – and deep gratitude for the people who have shaped it.
Over the past ten years, we have not only sustained our founding mission but expanded it with courage and creativity. We’ve responded to crisis with compassion, invested in innovation, and built partnerships that will outlast any single tenure. We’ve remained true to our values – integrity, trust, and community – while embracing change and challenge.
I am especially proud of our work in youth mental health and social prescribing. What began as a bold idea has become a recognised model of best practice, grounded in evidence and lived experience. The Enys Centre, our five-year strategy, and our partnerships with schools and community groups are not just projects—they are part of a movement to reimagine how we support young people’s wellbeing.
We’ve also strengthened the Charity itself. Our governance is robust, our finances are sound, and our Board is more diverse and dynamic than ever. The website is live, our policies are current, and our profile is rising. We are ready for the next chapter.
To our Trustees – past and present – thank you. Your wisdom, generosity, and good humour have made this work a joy. To our Administrator, Helen Newton, and Treasurer, Mark Williams – your diligence and kindness have been the steady hands behind the scenes. To our Presidents, Robert Robins, Michael Galsworthy and the late Katharine, Lady Falmouth – a sincere and profound thank you for your guidance and grace. And to the people of Cornwall – thank you for trusting us to walk alongside you.
I leave this role with confidence in the future of Duchy Health Charity. The work is not finished – but it is in excellent hands. I look forward to watching the Charity continue to grow, adapt, and lead with heart; with Emma at the helm, I’m sure it will.
With heartfelt thanks and every good wish,
Dr Barbara Vann DL; Hon DSc (Exeter); FRSA
Chair, Duchy Health Charity
