WORKLING - It’s Working

Did you know - it’s a fact that one person in four experiences some form of mental health disorder each year. Huyton Today reporters Laura Richardson and Stephen Elverson spoke to Jim Brennan, a member of the seven strong work force based at Worklink, St John’s Community Centre. Jim’s role is a support worker, one of the team helping people who have experienced mental illness back into employment.

The parent association, Worklink on the Wirral, has helped over 4000 people into employment in ten years. Referrals are made through Community Psychiatric nurses and GPs and the group has bases in Halewood and Kirkby as well as St John’s Community Centre. People can also refer themselves to Worklink.

Open days held on the 16^th and 18^th of May resulted in a great surge of interest, and Nick Lewis, Project Manager, told Huyton Today that they were “overawed by the splendid response to the openings.”

Seven presentations were delivered and over 90 people attended, including reps from the Employment Services and Senior Council Staff.

Worklink began to take referrals from the 22^nd of May, and so far twenty-four people have been helped, with new referrals averaging three or four per week.

The Merseyside-wide training initiatives include Awareness Link and Job Retention, for employers. Assertiveness training courses are also being held. Worklink offers a supportive environment and the opportunity to learn new skills or bring skills up to date.

Worklink is part funded by the ESF and the Employment Horizon initiative. For more information call in at St. John’s Community Centre, Manor Farm Road or telephone 0151 480 0011.