A TAVISTOCK singer songwriter has been awarded a three-year contract with South Hams and West Devon Primary Care Trust, as a result of his community work with people with mental health problems.

Phill Amaani is a founder member of Music Box, a community project in Tavistock started up and run by people with mental health problems.

He has suffered mental illness himself since developing severe depression ten years ago.

He combated his illness by using local support services, conferences, training programs and music and has gained considerable experience and understanding of mental health in the community.

For the next three years, Phill will be the Care Trust's mental health user communications development officer.

His new job, secured after several years of unemployment, is a new position created by the Trust after feedback through mental health service user and carer forums.

Phill will monitor and maintain the mental health service user network and improve services between the community and hospitals.

l Phil Amaani pictured right.