THE Pearl Exchange hosted two community meetings in November, where they invited people to hear about the findings from their Pilot programme impact review and the other work the Pearl Exchange has been doing.

The public were also able to give feedback on previous events and workshops and let them know what they’d like to see in the future.

A spokesperson from the Pearl Exchange said: “Both meetings were really successful, and we got a lot of great feedback and involvement from the community!”

The Pilot programme was an eight-week long programme that ran throughout spring of this year, trialling a diverse range of workshops in photography, print making, creative writing, dance, breath work, yoga, marketing and branding, social media, finance and more.

The scheme welcomed 138 participants to 34 different workshops, hosted by 27 practitioners. Of those 138 people, 100% enjoyed the workshops they attended, and 81% of participants learnt new skills.

As well as hosting the Pilot, the Pearl Exchange have also provided free counselling to 76 people, who have been offered between six and 12 sessions depending on the complexity of their needs, and who have been able to access help straight away. One-to-one talking therapy is currently unavailable on the NHS in Cornwall and Devon, and sessions with a private therapist are expensive and often hard to come by.

The spokesperson continued: “We are so grateful to everyone who attended one of Tuesday’s meetings, and to everyone who has supported and continues to support us, without you the Pearl Exchange would not be here. We left Tuesday’s meetings feeling optimistic and excited about the future of the Pearl Exchange, and we hope to be able to continue serving the local community of 18 to 30-year-olds for a long time to come!”

If anyone would like to support with a donation to help the Pearl Exchange continue the work they are doing visit thepearlexchange.org.uk/support-us

If interested in becoming a benefactor or a partner organisation contact [email protected]