Cornish mental health charity facing closure unless it raises £200k in less than three weeks
Watch Grace Pascoe's report
A Cornish mental health charity is facing imminent closure unless it can raise £200k by the end of this month.
Sea Sanctuary, which is based in Penryn, uses marine-based activities to help those struggling with their mental health.
The charity has warned that its closure would leave thousands of vulnerable people across Cornwall with no access to mental health care.
The charity has been pivotal in giving vital support to people like Maria Grasso - who relied on the Sanctuary when she was in need of help.
"I found myself in a really bad place. I was probably in the final hours of my life," she said.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch
Maria says the charity has helped her life back on track and worries for others needing help now Sanctuary faces closure.
"I'm frightened for a lot of people, it's a matter of life and death for lots of people.
"I can't imagine Sea Sanctuary not being here, it's scary for me - it's crucial for people, for families.
"I think a lot of people will die without it."
Joe Sapien, the charity's founder, says they've reached a funding crisis and will be forced to shut if they are unable to raise the money.
"We are a lifeline for people who don't fit into the medical model. Sea Sanctuary is there for people.
"We've seen a spike for our services. More people will lose their lives through suicide."
Joe is hoping the Save Our Sanctuary fundraiser will raise enough money to ensure the charity can continue helping people in crisis in the future.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch