THOUSANDS of pounds has been granted to Dudley’s mental health trust to help unemployed adults prepare themselves to access training, voluntary work or employment.

Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust has received more than £450,000 in collaboration with ‘Steps to Work’ to support those with experiences of mental health problems to either get a job or stay in one they already have.

The £456,618 of funding comes as part of a new multi-million pound programme, Building Better Opportunities (BBO), a collaboration between the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund (ESF) to help tackle the poverty and social exclusion faced by some people in England.

Many members of society that experience mental health problems may need additional support to gain employment or keep their job once they become unwell, meaning the extra funding will enable the trust to reach a wider population across the Black County, supporting individuals back into training or meaningful employment.

Vicky Harris, employment support manager at the trust, said: “It is vital that we offer support to those who need it, whether they are returning to or just starting work, or are looking at enhancing their educational or vocational attainment.

“Not only will it be crucial to work on the hard and practical skills, but also improving soft, social skills, whether this is just meeting new people, socialising with large groups or travelling to and from workplaces.

“Employment plays a big part in recovery and we want to make this process as quick and easy as possible.”

Support offered thanks to the funding will include advice and guidance on moving towards the job market, moving on from benefits, CV writing and interview tips that aim to improve work readiness and engage people in enhancing the essential skills needed for employment.

Vicky added: “The programme will give us a great opportunity to develop and expand our current services to those in need across the Black County, making them accessible to even more people who may be in need of help and support.”

For more information about the trust visit www.dwmh.nhs.uk