OPPORTUNITIES for people in Okehampton with mental health difficulties are being given a boost with a cheque for £500.
Mayor of Okehampton Christine Marsh is today, Thursday, giving the money to The Castle Bell Project on behalf of Okehampton Town Council.
The project ? which was developed after the success of Bell Industries in Exeter ? began in October 2001. It is an offshoot of Bell Industries which gives service users the confidence and skills to move into employment effectively and confidently in the community.
Typical activities include basic literacy and numeracy skills, introduction to computer and carpentry and assembly and packing skills.
The Castle Bell Project has been successful since it began and supports five regular service users in helping them develop their work and communication skills.
Robert Nunney, who helped set up Bell Industries 13 years ago, said work and mental health went together ?like peaches and cream?.
He said it had been shown that helping people get back to work and develop confidence in their skills could help their mental health. Work provides people with the motivation to get up in the morning and move forward.
?We have had fantastic support from people in the local community and this cheque from the town council demonstrates the level of support we receive.?
He said, however, that in order to increase the number of people that the project can help, it still needed additional help.
?We are always on the lookout for new work contracts, financial support and equipment. This will be particularly important in the coming months as we will be moving to new premises at the Exeter Industrial Estate in Okehampton.?