Trust Links is a local charity that aims to support people and build communities. It was established by local people to address mental health needs in the Southend area in 2000, and was registered as a charity and limited company in 2002.                                                                    

Trust Links is committed to filling gaps in mental health service provision by linking needs with resources; we do this in the following ways:

Growing Together is an award winning community garden where people can undertake gardening as a therapeutic activity. It contains the 'Cheryl Centre' a straw-bale building that accomodates the charity's administrative functions and forms the central hub of Trust Links activities. From the garden we:

• Grow plants and vegetables, selling produce to the public
• Offer a variety of training in horticulture and life skills, working in partnership with Southend Adult Community College
• Give support to our clients
• Provide help in finding employment
• The gardens operate as a base for the Garden Maintenance Team
• From these gardens we maintain St Laurence Orchard
• Growing Together has taken part in research into social and therapeutic horticulture to promote this approach in helping people.

Breakthrough provides support for carers of those experiencing mental health difficulties; supporting carers' to manage their caring role alongside maintaining their own health and sense of well-being.

 Other projects are undertaken as funding permits and opportunities arise. Trust Links has provided help in the past for young people, carried out mental health awareness training and produced a directory of local mental health services.