Clacton recovery scheme helps people 'feel human again'

A scheme that supports people overcoming mental health episodes has been hailed for helping them find "self-worth".

The Mental Health Recovery Programme in Clacton, Essex, has helped more than 250 people back into work since 2015.

The programme trains people in retail and customer service, helps them write CVs and find training courses.

Susan Bidmead, from Harwich, said: "I've rediscovered confidence that I never thought was possible."

An accident several years ago left Ms Bidmead with serious physical injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

After taking part in the scheme, run by Citizens Advice Tendring, she is now volunteering - and has set up her own business.

"Without this programme, I'd have still been stuck at home feeling sorry for myself," she said.

The programme operates from the Citizens Advice Tendring charity shop in Clacton-on-Sea, which opened in December 2022.

Christian Ronchetti turned to the programme after suffering a mental health episode soon after moving to Clacton from London.

"I'd lost my job and left all of my friends, so I was in a dark place and quite depressed," he said.

He said volunteering in the charity shop had "changed me completely - I'm back to my old self".

Mr Ronchetti now wants to find work in an office or retail setting when he completes his course in spring 2024.

The programme is funded by Essex County Council and Tendring District Councils, as well as the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex and local NHS services.

One of the most deprived areas in England, Tendring also has the highest proportion of people classed as "economically inactive" in the UK.

In his Autumn Statement, the chancellor said more needed to be done to get people off benefits and back into work - something this scheme has been doing for eight years.

Melanie Hammond, chief officer at Citizens Advice Tendring, said the Mental Health Recovery Programme was "essential" for the area.

"We have people coming to us without qualifications, who cannot read or write," she told the BBC.

"We can access the right courses for them.

"But people won't do it on their own. They need someone that can help get them on that road."

David, from Clacton, found that employers were reluctant to take him on, due to his age and being partially-sighted.

After participating in the programme, he now volunteers in other charity shops as well.

"It's given me back a lot of confidence," he said.

"It's given me self-worth - I'm wanted - and basically feeling like a human being once again".

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830