Advocacy Information & Advice—Employment & Careers Guidance

Finding employment and careers guidance

For the address of your nearest Jobcentre, which has job vacancies, look up Employment Service in the telephone book. The Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) at Jobcentres is specially trained to help you deal with problems associated with disability or illness, including mental health problems.

There are also projects and groups which provide sheltered work and rehabilitation and help with self-employment.

Many people with mental health problems find that volunteering is rewarding in itself and can be a way back into mainstream employment. The volunteer centres and bureaux match volunteers with organisations. In addition, it is worthwhile approaching local voluntary groups direct.

Careers guidance

For further information, advice and guidance about training and work opportunities, please contact the following agencies.

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to help adults consider their learning and work options is available from a number providers in the Huntingdonshire Area.

If you would like to know about where you can begin to learn a new skill, improve an old one or maybe just learn more about something you enjoy then contact one of the IAG Partners listed below. You can also contact the National Helpline (Learndirect) on 0800 100 900 or check out www.cambsiag.org.uk or www.camlearn.net

Help is also available to anyone who wants to consider returning to work, moving to another job or changing career.

Cambridgeshire Libraries contain a wealth of information on learning and work, just come in a browse. If you do not see what you need, ask.

Local Contacts

The Croylands Day Centre
30 Cambridge road
Ely
Cambs
CB7 4HL

Tel: 01353 616044

It provides support for adults with long-term mental health problems in the north rural sector. Activities include creative writing, art, therapeutic support groups and practical help i.e. careers advice, training, life skills etc. Referrals are via Fenland Community Mental Health Teams only. The site also provides the base for the North Rural Community Mental Health Team. Outpatient's clinics are also held at the centre by consultant pyschiatrists, pyschologists and the drug and alcohol services.

The Richmond Fellowship
Fenland Outreach Service
36 High Street
March
Cambs
PE15 9JR

Tel: 01945 464639
Email: hunts&fens@richmondfellowship.org.uk

The Richmond Fellowship is a registered Charity and Housing Association. It operates throughout the country offering a wide range of supported accommodation, day care, workshop and advocacy services for people with mental health and addiction problems. The organisation also runs some specialist services in other fields. Through the Richmond Fellowship College, a full programme of training is provided for its own staff, and courses are also available to others in related professions. The Community Support Service aims to provide home-based support to enable individuals to maintain the ability for self-care in ordinary community settings. Whilst offering intensive support, promoting independence and integration within their community and assisting them in improving their quality of life.