Stockport Council, in partnership with Westbrook, have launched a new service providing support to people with mental illness as they prepare for employment.
The new service will work with individuals to help them learn new skills and develop their employability through a wide range of activities including woodworking, sign making and crafts.
They will work with clients to develop confidence in ways not used in traditional sheltered employment or industrial therapy.
Fronted by local social enterprise Westbrook from its base at Hillgate Court on Thomas Street, Stockport, the support service is also looking for older members of the community who would be willing to volunteer with them. It is hoped that volunteers sharing their knowledge, life experiences and skills will help break down barriers for clients and reduce the isolation they feel.
Complementing other services available locally, the work between the Council and Westbrook is part of a programme aimed at easing pressures on the NHS. By working with individuals to prevent illnesses and disabilities it is hoped that individuals can be supported back into employment. Evidence has shown that finding work can substantially ease the severity of mental illness both helping the individuals and reducing the need for expensive interventions.
Pilot sessions have already demonstrated the service’s value and benefits. Work is now being expanded with a full programme being run from the dedicated premises. Plans to continue developing the service are also in place, and it is hoped that the good practice this new service offers will eventually spread across Greater Manchester.
Councillor John Pantall, Executive Member for Independence and Wellbeing at Stockport Council said: “The Council is passionate about ensuring that residents have the skills and experiences they need to succeed, and employment skills are key to this. As part of this, it is vital people can access support to get back into work after periods of mental ill health.
“As a Council we continually look for new ways to deliver services with partners, and our work with Westbrook is such an example. I am excited to see this new service launched. I am confident that as we work together over the coming years many residents will be able to access the vital support they need. This will help us to achieve our ambition that the range of services on offer will continue to grow and develop.”
For more information about the services available please visit http://www.westbrookcommunitycare.co.uk/