A community skills centre aimed at boosting the confidence and self-esteem of people struggling with mental health is launching in Newton Abbot this month.

Based at the Hanbury Buildings on Bradley Lane, Teignbridge Community Project will start on Monday October 14 between 2pm and 7pm with an open event where people can drop in to find out more about what’s on offer; whether as a centre user or a volunteer.

The Teignbridge Community Project will offer a range of activities including arts, crafts, cooking, woodwork, hair, nails, digital skills and gardening. The centre is open to anyone but is particularly aimed at providing opportunities for people who may be struggling with their mental health, adults with learning disabilities, anyone no in employment, education or training, young people who are not in mainstream education and anyone feeling isolated or lonely.

Founders, Colette Palmer and her daughter Anna Lofthouse, are keen for the Teignbridge Community Project to provide a safe, nurturing, enjoyable environment where people can learn new skills, try new projects and make meaningful connections.

The opening comes just five months after Colette and Anna decided to set up the community interest company. Colette, who works for a similar provision in Torquay called Turning Heads, noticed there was a need for a similar provision in Newton Abbot. After speaking to one of the Turning Heads directors, she was encouraged to create the Teignbridge Community Project.

As well as offering space to learn and practice new skills, the centre has linked up with the Vicary’s Field Community Garden so users can put their skills into practice working on maintenance projects, including restoring the pond, and developing the sensory garden.

The Teignbridge Community Project also plans to open a social supermarket where those who are struggling can buy very low-cost food. Colette and Anna are in talks with partners so in future they can offer numeracy and literacy qualifications, speech and language therapy services, parenting sessions and an after-school provision.

One in eight people struggle with their mental health and social prescribers in Newton Abbot have been struggling to find places to refer their patients, the Teignbridge Community Project aims to plug that gap.