Yarmouth project has jobs in mind

FREE courses aimed at helping people with mental health problems find their way into the workplace are helping to bolster the competence and confidence of local workers.

Already two people have found jobs thanks to the Work to Grow Project with Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind which was due to have its official launch yesterday.

Under the scheme funded by the Working Network Fund people who have had or still have mental health problems - however mild or severe - can brush up on their skills and rebuild confidence and contacts through mock interviews and group work.

Project co-ordinator David Dickeson said the programme aimed to help at least 45 people back into work and had already made a good start. So far it was mostly men who had benefitted across a wide age range.

He said marriage break ups, family trauma or problems associated with substance misuse were often triggers to depression or mental health problems.

“Because we are Mind we understand where people are coming from and the courses we deliver wont effect any of their benefits. We are hoping to get at least 45 people a year back into work. We do not know how many people will come through the doors but we have targets. A lot of people may come into us and may not want to go back into work straight away but they might have the confidence a little further down the line.

“We have been operating for three months and out of 21 people that we have seen so far two people have been employed and that for us is very positive.”

The partnership scheme links with the Lowestoft-based Grow organisation which has several branches helping disadvantaged people, the leisure side of which offering training in hospitality is based at Great Yarmouth's Atlantis Arena.

Clients are referred by GPs and social services but can put themselves forward.

To find out more about the Work to Grow project contact David Dickeson via 01493 851866 or email david.dickeson@gywmind.org.uk.