A mental health care charity is to shut down after its fundraising plea to raise £200,000 to avert closure failed.

Cornwall based Sea Sanctuary launched the appeal last month for the money to give it time to “restructure” and focus on long term stability.

But in a statement the charity has announced that “it is with considerable sadness that we must now confirm the closure of Sea Sanctuary”.

“Despite our best endeavours and the generosity of the public/followers and our clients, we have been unsuccessful in raising the required amount to remain open,” the statement from the charity’s founder and chief executive Joe Sabien adds.

An important message from our CEO and founder Joe Sabien. 💙 pic.twitter.com/vCTThMRfDy

— Sea Sanctuary (@seasanctuaryMH) January 3, 2023

The charity is set to close at the end of this month and is planning to publish “further communication” to “celebrate” the charity’s work over the last 13 years of its operation.

It will offer those who have donated a refund that can be reclaimed by emailing the charity at admin@seasanctuary.org.uk.

“However, if you would rather, we are proposing to donate any surplus to another mental health service in the local community”, Sabien has told the charity’s supporters.

His statement to supporters adds: “On behalf of the directors and staff alike, we would like to thank you for your support over these years and we sincerely hope that our service has been of help – please remember though, you are the real engine behind your improved health.

“Our congratulations to each and every one of you for your courage, bravery and determination to flourish.”

Its fundraising plea last month had warned that “many of the people we support are suicidal, and the result of our services ceasing to exist would be catastrophic”.

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