Work and Training


	STEP Forward \| Training and Employment \| Employer Liaison Service \| Benefits for Business

STEP Forward

STEP Forward (Support, Training and Employment Partnership) is a project for adults who live or work in East Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire, and the Surrey borders, have experienced a mental health need, and require help in securing or maintaining employment or improve their skills through training.

East Berkshire Mind has STEP Forward offices in Bracknell, Slough and Windsor & Maidenhead. STEP Forward is funded through the European Social Fund. ESF logo

STEP Forward aims to:

Prepare clients for work or training.
Support clients in job search or job retention.
Support clients who are taking sickness leave from work.

STEP Forward works at a pace suitable for the client and helps them to set their own goals for future training and employment. The support is given by Employment Brokers who work with clients to plan and review their progress, and James Aylwin Mentors, who offer advice and encouragement through one-to-one support. All members may wish to participate in one of the regular training courses which take place. Courses available range from Assertiveness to Computer skills. These can include Linkway Courses. Please click here for information about future Linkway training.

Unfortunately, STEP Forward will be closing from the 31/03/08. For a full explanation, please click on the following link:

THE CLOSURE OF STEP FORWARD

For advice on other agencies and organisations that could provide further help, please click on the following link:

contacts jan 081

Employment

Social Enterprise - gives individuals the opportunity to learn new skills whilst being fully supported by East Berkshire Mind staff. Since its inception in 2002, STEP Forward has led the way in supporting people back into the workplace. The enterprise has also scooped two awards; Berkshire’s Best Enterprise in Formation and Slough In Bloom (Silver). Through training, volunteering and permitted work schemes, individuals can put old and new skills to use in one of the social enterprise schemes run by STEP Forward.

Mind the Plants – an innovative gardening service which undertakes both business contracts and residential work. Staffed by volunteers and permitted workers and supported by STEP Forward staff, Mind the Plants has already secured contracts with Slough Borough Council and the Community Mental Health Team. It also is the only gardening service involved in the Carers Assistance Voucher Scheme in the Slough area. This scheme means that people in need can obtain a voucher from the borough and ‘cash’ it in for gardening work at their home. The Mind The Plants team also tend their very own allotment, Cherry Orchard, Slough. All workers are fully trained to use the relevant equipment and are subject to an enhanced CRB check.

Colour my World – working in a supported environment, the scheme offers individuals the chance to use their DIY and decorating skills in both commercial and residential projects. The scheme offers on-going training in new skills and a chance for the individual to build confidence and inter-personal skills.

Unfortunately, STEP Forward will be closing from the 31/03/08. For a full explanation, please click on the following link:

THE CLOSURE OF STEP FORWARD

For advice on other agencies and organisations that could provide further help, please click on the following link:

contacts jan 081

Employer Liaison Service

Sometimes an individual suffering from a diagnosed mental health condition needs support to carry on their day to day tasks at work. This is where the Employer Liaison workers can help. They will work with the individual to ensure that an employer is being supportive. They will also work with both the employee and employer to assist both parties.

The Employer Liaison worker can also help an unemployed individual who is ready to return to the workplace to find an appropriate role and provide on-going support during the transition period. They also advise on mental health policy information within organisations and provide various training programmes including Stress Awareness for all levels of staff.

Promoting wellbeing in the workplace

As an employer you will be aware of the cost of ill health and stress to your business.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that:

60% of all work absences are caused by stress related illnesses
1 in 5 employees admit to taking time off work because of work-related sress

The Office for National Statistics estimates that:

Over 91 million working days are lost due to mental ill health each year

STEP Forward have developed a training and support package that will help reduce the cost of stress in your workplace and improve wellbeing in your workforce. The courses in Mental Health Awareness can be delivered as a generic package or tailored to the needs of your organisation.

Our Consultancy Services for employers:

Training courses; Mental Health Awareness and Stress Awareness-click here to download course details
Promoting 'Best Practice' at work by developing a Mental Health Policy
Raising awareness of the Disability Discrimination act 1995, and the Health and Safety Executive
Support for managers or key personnel in managing wellbeing in the workplace and supporting employees

For an information pack about our sevices or to talk to one of our Employer Liason Consultants please contact us:

Bracknell: Zena Pike

(t) 01344 860660

Slough: Mary Oorloff

(t) 01753 526679

You can also use the info@ebmind.org

Unfortunately, STEP Forward will be closing from the 31/03/08. For a full explanation, please click on the following link:

THE CLOSURE OF STEP FORWARD

For advice on other agencies and organisations that could provide further help, please click on the following link:

contacts jan 081

Benefits for business

There are a number of ways East Berkshire Mind works with local businesses as well as the individual. Through its social enterprise projects, East Berkshire Mind can offer valuable training in the workplace as well as fulfilment of contracts in the areas of gardening, catering and decorating.

STEP Forward offers businesses two workshops for staff that can help reduce stress in the workplace, as well as recognising ways to manage and deal more effectively with stressful situations. With 60% of all work absences caused by stress related illnesses, it is vital that employers are aware of the signs to ensure early intervention.

Under Pressure Training – aims to improve the ability to identify different aspects of stress in the workplace. The course also shows staff how to approach and deal with stressful situations.

Mental Health Awareness Training – designed to tackle the stigma and discrimination of mental health, the course also provides valuable information on the Disability Discrimination Act. It also shows managers how to support an individual who may be experiencing mental health issues.

Click here to download details of the above training courses or contact your local STEP Forward office for more information.

Mind the Plants – an award winning gardening service which can undertake contract work in and around Slough and surrounding areas. This innovative scheme already counts Slough Borough Council as a client and has a mobile workforce who are all fully trained and CRB checked.

Colour my World – a full range DIY and decorating service. Manned by a supported workforce, the work is high quality at a realistic price.

Contact your local STEP Forward office for more information. The service is free to individuals who may also be referred by their Community Mental Health Team worker.

Unfortunately, STEP Forward will be closing from the 31/03/08. For a full explanation, please click on the following link:

THE CLOSURE OF STEP FORWARD

For advice on other agencies and organisations that could provide further help, please click on the following link:

contacts jan 081