Innovation, heritage & practical approaches to mental health
ARC Healthcare Southwest (ARC) is a Cornwall-based mental health charity with a long history of developing innovative, compassionate and practical approaches to emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention and recovery.
Formerly known as Sea Sanctuary, the multi-award-winning charity became widely recognised, globally, for pioneering the use of sail training combined with psychological support and treatment. Using traditional wooden boats, the charity developed a residential programme (with input from therapists) as part of the client-sailors therapeutic journey. Typically, the programme supported people who had experienced trauma, emotional distress and mental ill-health. For much of this time, the residential sailing programme (Sail into Life) was commissioned by the NHS and supported people from all walks of life, from across the UK.
Over the years, ARC has also developed crisis intervention services alongside the police (the first of its kind in the UK), community programmes and innovative approaches designed to improve access to support and help people earlier – before they reach crisis point.
A new chapter...
Today, ARC is entering a new chapter built around two connected areas of work: the development of MH1, an innovative and ambitious digital mental health platform focused on early intervention and suicide prevention, and the reintroduction of heritage-led marine restoration and wellbeing projects rooted in the charity’s longstanding Blue Health approach.
MH1 – Rethinking Access to Mental Health Support
At the centre of ARC’s current digital work is MH1, an evolving platform designed to help people find appropriate support quickly, better understand their mental health and access earlier intervention.
MH1 is being developed in response to a growing recognition that many people struggle to navigate existing systems, often deteriorating significantly before receiving help. The platform aims to simplify access to support, reduce barriers and provide a more responsive and preventative approach to mental health care.
Drawing on years of frontline experience in mental health and crisis response, MH1 is intended to combine practical support pathways, structured self-monitoring tools and evidence-informed approaches to suicide prevention into a single accessible system.
ARC is currently working with a wide range of organisations, professionals and academic partners as the development of the platform continues.
Maritime Heritage, Restoration and Blue Health
Alongside its digital innovation work, ARC is also returning to an area deeply connected to the charity’s origins: the restoration of traditional wooden boats and the reintroduction of marine-based wellbeing activity.
The project focuses on preserving maritime heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for learning, participation, volunteering and personal development. ARC believes traditional boat restoration offers far more than heritage conservation alone. It can provide routine, purpose, practical skill development, teamwork and reconnection – particularly for people who may feel isolated, overwhelmed or disconnected from mainstream environments.
The charity is currently developing plans centred around traditional wooden vessel restoration, public engagement, apprenticeships, skills-sharing and heritage-led community activity. This work builds upon ARC’s earlier pioneering Blue Health programmes, which demonstrated the powerful relationship between the marine environment, human connection and emotional wellbeing.
ARC Healthcare Southwest is proud partner with the Community Fund and thanks them for their ongoing help and financial support.
Join Us on Our Mission to Make a Difference
ARC has always believed that good mental health support should feel human, accessible and grounded in real life.
Whether through innovative digital systems, crisis intervention, community support or hands-on maritime projects, the charity’s work is shaped by a simple principle: helping people find hope, connection, purpose and practical support before difficulties escalate further.
As ARC continues to grow and evolve, its commitment remains the same – to develop thoughtful, innovative and compassionate approaches that genuinely improve people’s lives.
Get in touch to find out how you can support our work, collaborate with us, or learn more about our platform. Thank you.
