Celebrating 50 Years

Today is a very special day for us as we officially begin our 50th anniversary year. On 30 January 1976, Dreadnought was registered as a charity with a clear and vital mission to support young people across Cornwall. As we reflect on the last five decades, we are incredibly proud of how our journey has evolved from our early days of motorcycle repair workshops to the county-wide mental health and resilience service we provide today.

At the heart of everything we do is the belief that the young person must always come first. We do not walk into a room with a set agenda. Instead, we offer a safe and empathic space where we start by watching and listening, meeting each young person with patience and respect. This allows children and young people aged 4 to 18 to lead the way at their own pace. It is this soft yet strong approach, combining warmth with professional expertise and thoughtful observation, that has enabled us to support countless young people over the last 50 years.

Our history is filled with moments that have shaped who we are, including a Royal visit during our early years. While we cherish these memories and the many achievements along the way, our focus remains firmly on the future and the young people who need us now. Despite the challenges of the current landscape, the need for mental health support is greater than ever. As our CEO, Sara-Jane Perrins, explains, our goal is to empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

We are real people who are deeply committed to our community. We approach our work with professional care, a sense of fun and unwavering dedication to those we serve. As we begin this milestone year, we want to thank everyone who has been part of the Dreadnought story so far; staff, volunteers, supporters and the young people themselves. We look forward to continuing this important work with renewed energy and purpose for many more years to come.