The Trust programme was launched to fund work led by the voluntary sector aimed at reaching communities who experience inequalities in access, experience and outcomes in mental health care.
Working Well Trust submitted a successful application and were awarded £40,951
They are using the funding to focus on providing employment support to the BAME community so clients can access training, volunteering, shadowing and taster placements. The Employment Coach also provides clients with links to resources, networks and opportunities.
Efforts have been focused on promoting and raising awareness through attending events, community venues and networking where relationships have been developed with Somali Sakinah project through Mind.
The BAME employment service leaflet was co-produced with staff and clients and has been created to promote their work.
Working Well Trust have also collaborated with Bangladeshi Mental Health Forum, Coffee Afric, Recovery College, Womens Inclusive Team, Limehouse Project and Hestia. Their work is based on individual needs and career goals so that job roles are matched with clients’ preferences where some clients may want to access training, volunteering, courses or education.
“Although peer support is well recognised, the development of a BAME peer employment coach service is relatively new and we are proud to be the only service offering this service in Tower Hamlets. It will be the first of its kind to be culturally focused,” said Lisa Grogan, Operations Director.
In the coming weeks and months, Working Well hope to deliver additional peer support groups which will draw on lived experiences to promote hope and belief in the possibility of recovery.
They are also working to develop a course with The Recovery College which will enable clients to develop their confidence in CV writing, interviews and work experience placements.