In this section...

  1. Adult Community Services
  2. Children's services
  3. Carers corner
  4. Community mental health services
  5. Community response to COVID-19
  6. Dementia and older people’s mental health
  7. Health for Homeless Service
  8. Medication
  9. Learning disability services
  10. Personalised care planning
  11. SilverCloud
  12. Spiritual and pastoral care
  13. Transforming wound care
  14. Suicide Liaison Service
  15. Tuberculosis Service
  16. Talking Therapies
  17. Useful information following a bereavement
  18. Video appointments
  19. Virtual wards
  20. Wheelchair Service
  21. Worried about someone's mental health?

Kernow At-Risk Mental State (KARMS) Pathway

We support 14 to 35-year-olds who are having unusual experiences.

They may have recently struggled to engage in daily activities, such as education, work, personal care or maintaining relationships. These experiences can indicate someone is in an at-risk mental state.

Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals at risk of developing psychosis. We are dedicated to nurturing hope and empowerment. We support people to build meaningful connections, guiding individuals toward recovery and a brighter future.

Our clinical team is made up of mental health clinicians, support workers and psychologists. We are part of the Early Intervention Service. We work with people who have not developed a first episode of psychosis, to prevent this from happening and their distress increasing. There is evidence to suggest that getting support early can really improve your quality of life and wellbeing.

What if I need support now?

The Early Intervention Team and the KARMS Pathway Team are not crisis services.

If you need urgent support, call NHS 111, select option 2 for mental health support. In an emergency support, call 999.

Who do we support?

You will be aged 14 to 35 and have had unusual experiences. These may include:

  • hearing, seeing, or feeling things that other people cannot, or that are not there
  • changes in or unexpected tastes or sensations
  • concerns about others reading your mind or tampering with your thoughts
  • beliefs or suspicions that you can read others' minds
  • ongoing fears and suspicions about other people

These may come and go, with different intensities and durations. Within the last year you will have struggled with day-to-day living activities such as attending school, university or work, or maintaining relationships or personal care. You will be registered with a GP in Cornwall.

What to expect?

If we think we might be able to support you, we will arrange an initial assessment. This is an opportunity for us to understand your current experiences and explain more about our service. You can also ask us any questions you might have.

During the appointment, we may ask about your unusual experiences, as well as other relevant areas of your life. We may also ask about your personal and family history and any relevant experiences. You do not have to answer or tell us anything you do not want to or that you find unhelpful to speak about. You are welcome to bring a family member or friend to support you if that feels helpful.

If our service is suitable for you, we will discuss your current goals and hopes for treatment. We will work with you on a treatment plan. We will regularly discuss your goals and how we can support you toward them. To do this, we may discuss several options.

Psychological assessment

It may be helpful to spend a few sessions understanding your current experiences and history. This will help us offer you the appropriate support. As well as a shared understanding of what might be happening.

Psychoeducation

We may provide information on different aspects of mental health and unusual experiences. This can reduce confusion and empower you to make decisions about how to address these.

Coping strategies

We may explore together different ways of coping with difficult experiences. These can help you manage day-to-day and have a positive long-term impact.

Support with work or school

If your experiences are impacting your education or work, we can support you to manage this and link you into other organisations who can also help.

Help engaging in social activities

You may wish to increase your social life in a way which feels safe and manageable. We work with other organisations to offer social activity options and support you to access them.

Individual psychological therapy

Our clinical staff offer evidence-based therapies. We will consider with you what type of therapy might be most helpful. For example, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or individual psychology sessions.

Family or carer support

We can work with your loved ones or close others to increase understanding of what is happening. We also signpost onto other organisations who may be able to support them.

Joint working

We can work with other teams in some circumstances, to ensure you receive the right support around your unusual experiences.

You do not have to engage in anything you do not want to. We will work with you for up to 2 years. We will then follow-up with you for another year if you wish.

If our service is not suitable for you, we will explain to you why. We work closely with other NHS and community organisations that may be able to better support you. If you need to move to another service, we will support you.

What if I'm worried about a loved one or family member?

If you are worried about someone else, it may be helpful to discuss considering a referral to our service.

Some people will need support to do this. You can call us together if it helps. Others find it easier to speak to us alone.

We encourage family members and loved ones to call us in all cases if they have concerns. We will also need to speak to the individual themselves to arrange an appointment.

How do I get in touch?

We are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

You can also ask your GP to make a referral on your behalf

Why should I get in touch?

Many people have unusual experiences and can improve their quality of life and engage in daily living in a way which is meaningful for them.

Our team is here to offer a safe space to make sense of your experiences and find new ways of coping.

We will aim to move at your pace, and you will not be asked to do anything which feels detrimental to you.