What we do

Social Outcomes

We work towards achieving the following outcomes in each service user’s case:

  • Improved health and social well-being
  • Improved dignity and personal independence
  • Reducing social isolation
  • Opportunities to gain meaningful vocational qualifications
  • Improved employability through learning and development opportunities

People attending our rehabilitation, workplace skills, and further education programme are referred to us in different ways. Some come directly through the Mental Health agencies, through a GP, a social worker, psychiatrist or mental health support worker. Some people are referred by a family member or individuals can self refer; others have come via local agencies such as the drugs and alcohol services or even the job centre or the centre for voluntary services.

Clients come for an initial informal interview at the workshop and are often accompanied by a support worker or family member. We talk briefly, about the workshop, health and safety and the manner of work we do and the potential of developing a personal pathway through our services. There is informal training and also the possibility of taking a C&Gs qualification.

Regularity, punctuality and general time keeping are discussed as are the potential client’s motivation and suitability in regard to joining us. Clients are given a referral form to be filled out with a mental health professional. We ask for a brief medical, employment and education history.

Clients who are given a placement come initially for therapeutic rehabilitation and support, working towards increasing their self reliance ,socialising skills and improved self image.

Clients may be offered a placement which starts as 1 day/week (10-4pm). This may be extended to 2 days if the client wants to and is suitable to take the C&Gs.

Those who wish to undertake the C&Gs then we offer 1 to 1 help with direct skills learning within the workshop setting and there are specific units in Health & Safety, use of tools and machinery and students will complete items of furniture to be assessed. The practical projects need to be written up with use of photos taken before, during and on completion of each item. This can be done in an ongoing notebook form or on a word document. Help is given with any written assignment and it is recognised that people with mental health problems very often have some accompanying learning difficulties. Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace and take responsibility for their own learning. It may take some students 6months to a year to complete the course, some may take longer.

The qualification offered is the Level 2, Creative Techniques, 7157, which includes a wide range of furniture craft skills, including, Upholstery, Restoration, French Polishing and chair seating. The course is trades based and is designed to teach people the skills needed for open or self –employment and can include units for marketing through social media or website design. If students are sufficiently motivated they can learn some basic skills in book keeping, Microsoft Word, the Internet, and advertising and marketing through social media. At present no certificated course for these skills are available but are being considered for the future.

Citations about Mental Health in the UK ; 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey :-

“every week, one in six adults experiences symptoms of a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, and one in five adults has considered taking their own life at some point. Nearly half of adults believe that, in their lifetime, they have had a diagnosable mental health problem, yet only a third have received a diagnosis.”

“There are some very worrying levels of poor mental health among people receiving  Employment and Support Allowance. Two thirds report common mental health problems and the same percentage report suicidal thoughts, with 43.2% having made a suicide attempt and one third (33.5%) self-harming, indicating that this is a population in great need of targeted support.”

“Nearly half (43.4%) of adults think that they have had a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life (35.2% of men and 51.2% of women). A fifth of men (19.5%) and a third of women (33.7%) have had diagnoses confirmed by professionals.”

Moulsham Mill Centre, Parkway, Chelmsford, CM2 7PX
01245 801424
millracefoundation@gmail.com