THE Haven Project offers round-the-clock support and therapy to 140 adults with personality disorders in north Essex.

Many have had desperately unhappy childhoods, spent years in mental Health institutions or have a history of self-harm.

But meeting its lively, happy and outgoing clients, these facts are easy to forget.

One 54-year-old man, who did not want to be named, was admitted to a high security hospital at the age of 15 and stayed there for 36 years. Thanks to the help of Haven, he is now living independently.

The project, based in Glen Avenue, Lexden, Colchester, was set up in 2004 with funding from the Department of Health.

Day and night, it offers therapy, support and beds for anyone who needs a haven from the outside world.

In 2007, the Cabinet Office gave Haven three years of funding to set up a social inclusion unit.

Haven chief executive Heather Castillo said the unit has now given 68 people the qualifications and help needed to find work.

She said: “Our clients are adults who have usually had a very difficult start in life.

“This is a very intelligent client group, but there’s a fragility there that needs ongoing support.

“The social inclusion unit is for people who are beginning to be well enough to think about maybe going to college, volunteering or doing paid work.

“It’s been hugely successful. It’s about things we cherish and take for granted – decent homes, family life and the opportunity to get back into the community.”

But the £60,000-a-year funding was only intended as a start-up and will run out in April.

Attempts by Mrs Castillo to secure funding locally, have, understandably considering the economic climate, not been successful.

She said: “I’ve been trying for months to negotiate continuation funding with the local primary care trusts and the county council. But because of the recessionary climate, they have told us no.

“We decided we couldn’t possibly let this part of the project go, so we’ve launched a fundraising campaign.”

Inez Davies, Haven’s social inclusion co-ordinator, said the more successful Haven could become, the more taxpayers’ money would be saved.

She added: “The way we operate is we reduce admissions to hospital, and reduce pressure on NHS services, such as mental health teams.

“Basically, we’re trying to help our clients have a sense of self, so we can help them discover what they like and don’t like.”

In recent weeks, the Friends of the Haven has already raised £10,000 towards its target.

To make a donation, visit thehavenproject.org.uk or call 01206 287316.