Thursday 6th March 2008
Linking into the new Pathways to Work which launched on Monday, 3 December 2007, A4e have funded a unique pilot, YMCA Exercise and Activity in Mental Health, in West Yorkshire, to train community fitness instructors to deliver an all-round, holistic service to clients, in recognition that people’s mental fitness is as important as their physical fitness when it comes to achieving and sustaining a job. Delivered by YMCA Fitness Industry Training, this is the first time this training course has been delivered in West Yorkshire and compliments the work being carried out as part of A4e’s Pathways to Work provision which enables voluntary customers who are claiming Incapacity related Benefits to return to work.
Client Paul Burton said:
‘After leaving a mental health hospital, and returning to the community, I found a massive lack of community support. I went along to my local leisure centre and met trainer Lyndsey, who I realised understood my condition and I was able to write a suitable exercise programme. Because of my condition if I exercise too much, it will make my condition worse, so it is really important for me to take the correct level of exercise. It was really great to hear that Lyndsey had attended a training course for fitness instructors to work with people with a mental health condition - it really makes a great difference to find someone who understands your condition.’
District Manager for A4e Pathways to Work (West Yorkshire) Sally-Ann Harding says:
‘A4e are working in partnership with IFI across West Yorkshire, to develop local networks and provide up to date information and support for both Physical and mental Fitness to enable our Pathways customers to get the most appropriate support in their quest to return to and remain in suitable employment. Graham Hogg part of our occupational support team has been given the task of championing and promoting Healthy Living across Pathways West Yorkshire and is working closely with IFI’s John Holmes.’
A4e Project Director for Pathways to Work (West Yorkshire) Steve Mason says:
‘This is an excellent opportunity for A4e, the prime provider of Pathways to Work in West Yorkshire, to spread the word about the Pathways to Work service and to promote mental health awareness within the leisure and fitness community. We must work closely with Mental Health Trusts and community links across West Yorkshire to ensure that people with mental health issues can compete equally in the job market and participate fully in society.’
YMCAfit Course director Sarah Bolitho says:
‘The problems that individuals experiencing mental health problems face finding suitable and sustainable work are many. This is often due to inaccurate perceptions and also a lack of awareness and understanding of mental health conditions and how they affect people. Attending a training course that raises and addresses the misunderstanding and ignorance of the issues and stigma that still surround mental health and illness will help to break down many barriers and make it easier for people to find, or return to, appropriate work and be supported.’
YMCA Fitness Instructor Kirsty Hammond who attended one of the training courses says:
‘It was a really interesting and informative day. The course highlighted the importance of considering clients’ thoughts and feelings when designing training programmes It was surprising to find out how many people actually have a mental health condition.’
