A pioneering training scheme operating in Nottinghamshire is set to help 500 people living with mental illness improve their quality of life following a cash boost from the Big Lottery Fund of more than £350,000. (Strict embargo: Wednesday 22nd August 2007)

Earlier in the year the project was in danger of closing due to changes to European funding, but the award to volunteering charity, CSV, from the Big Lottery Fund has reversed its fortunes and will enable learning and development support to be given to 500 people as part of their recovery.

CSV Rainbow Learning runs courses for people recovering from enduring mental health issues and has helped more than 350 local people since it began in September 2005.

Tyna Brych, CSV Project Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to deliver the Rainbow Learning project.  We can now offer community based learning and development courses to adults with – or recovering from - long term mental health issues in north Nottinghamshire. 

“Long term mental ill health commonly leads to a major loss of self confidence and feelings of low self esteem.   This often prevents people from engaging with mainstream activities, learning or ‘help’ programmes. It can also lead to people losing a wider and more positive identity, seeing themselves purely through their illness and diminishing the other qualities and skills that they have.  Very often they become frightened, lonely and burdened with their mental health issues.

“The courses we run are all designed to make a really positive difference to how people think and feel about themselves; increasing their self confidence and self esteem.  By helping people develop their soft skills, and with their improved self confidence and self esteem, we can then support them in the next steps towards their more long term goals.”

One of the successes of CSV Rainbow Learning is Jane, a 44 year-old from Worksop. The mother of two has lived with depression and anxiety for over 20 years. Jane gained so much confidence after completing courses with CSV’s Rainbow Learning project that she decided to volunteer to help others with mental health issues.

Jane says: “A year ago I thought I would try and gain some new skills so I signed up to the CSV Rainbow Learning project in Nottinghamshire. I took craft courses on things like calligraphy and jewellery making. I have also gained IT skills and a basic food hygiene certificate.

“I got on so well in the classes that I was encouraged to teach these new craft skills to a group of older women by becoming a volunteer with Mind, the mental health charity. I have been a user of Mind myself and their groups have really got me through the thick of it time and time again.”

CSV Rainbow Learning project runs courses for people with enduring mental health issues. Courses can vary from basic IT to DIY and calligraphy. The aim of the project is to help people with mental health issues improve their confidence and self esteem as well as gain the skills that might eventually help secure future employment.

The project complements other initiatives being driven forwards by CSV and designed to improve the lives of people living with mental illness. In London, with the backing of CSV and the London Development Centre, Capital Volunteering is empowering mental health service users to volunteer. Preliminary studies indicate that volunteering can have positive outcomes for 85% of mental health service users who participate. Capital Volunteering is giving people with mental illness the skills and confidence to reduce their isolation in the community.

For further press information: Paul Donohoe 0207 812 0037/ 07779 624 385 pdonohoe@csv.org.uk.

Notes for Editors

1. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action. Last year 227,000 people gave 5 million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV. CSV trains 12,705 people of all ages. www.csv.org.uk