Going back into the outside world after long periods of isolation during the pandemic could be hard.
Especially if the lockdowns have taken a toll on your mental wellbeing.
But the Mental Health Hub programme, which is based in Clacton, aims to help everyone who finds themselves in a similar position.
The scheme, which was launched by Tendring Citizens Advice, is available to people of all walks of life who want develop their social skills and get some hands-on work experience, to take that first step back into the outside world.
Volunteers are encouraged to work in the Tendring Community Clothing shop, where they build employability skills, such as team working and reliability through customer service.
They are expected to do all kinds of work, from sorting out donations to working at the tills and making window displays.
The scheme is available for up to a year, after which volunteers are encouraged to move to a full-time job or perhaps undertake study at university.
The programme has already proved its worth and has had some outstanding achievers with volunteers going down the self-employment route or moving to different charity positions.
Melanie Hammond, 58, chief officer for Citizens Advice, is confident that volunteers could pick up many social skills at the shop and tackle isolation at the same time.
Mrs Hammond said: “We are helping people on the programme but the real idea is that they are kept back into society.
“If they want to come to our programme then they can take it at their own pace without being under any pressure.
“They can do each different task when they feel ready to and are fully supported.”
The funding for the mental health hub has been possible thanks to the combined effort of Essex County Council, Tendring District Council, the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group and the Police, Fire and Crime commissioner for Essex Roger Hirst.
The scheme has been in place for the past five years and has proved to be a real success, but was never more needed than it is now.
Volunteers who sign up for the scheme are expected to work at least one two-hour shift per week, which, according to Mrs Hammond, is encouraging them to overcome debilitating conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
She said: “A lot of people who suffer with mental health problems become isolated and suddenly they won’t go out, and lose contact with their friends and family.
“We’ve had people that haven’t been out in two years, they come to us and they won’t even look you in the eye, but in a short space of time they make huge progress.
“And sometimes within two months they are up working at the tills, talking to customers and laughing.”
Improving volunteers’ employability skills is not the only goal on the hub’s agenda.
A wellbeing programme has also been put in place to ensure volunteers spend some quality time outside, enjoying different activities, such as walking, cycling and gardening which again improves their mental health.
Mrs Hammond said: “The hub transforms people’s lives.
“It totally helps with their wellbeing because they have support.
“And often people don’t have that support or someone they could talk to about their problems, without judging them.”
- You can find out more about the Mental Health Hub and apply at mhh@cabtendring.org.uk.
Alternatively, you can call 01255225027.
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