News

Government’s ‘Back to Work’ schemes failing

Published

10 years ago

December 30, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive
of Mind: “These schemes are not
appropriate for people with mental
health problems.”

THE MENTAL health charity, Mind, has called for all people with mental health problems to be taken off mainstream Government backto- work schemes and moved onto a specialist programme. Research from the mental health charity claims they have found that support provided through the Work Programme and Jobcentre Plus is damaging people’s health, and making them feel less able to work than when they started.

At the same time, these schemes, they say, are ineffective for people with mental health problems, as they quote a figure of only 5 per cent of people that have actually been helped into work. In addition to this, figures for Preseli Pembrokeshire reveal that, in a three year period, no one with mental health problems on the Work Programme was helped back into work. Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “Just five per cent of people with mental health problems are being helped into work, while the vast majority tell us their health has worsened and they feel less able to work as a result of being on these schemes.

“It’s perverse that programmes which are supposed to help those who are unwell and struggling to get into work are having the opposite effect, damaging their health.” He continued: “These schemes are not appropriate for people with mental health problems. If someone is out of work because of depression and anxiety, simply asking them to attend a CV writing course is a waste of time and money, as it doesn’t address the real problems they are facing.

“Forcing people to engage in these activities, and cutting their benefits if they struggle to do so, is inappropriate and counter-productive. This approach assumes people don’t want to work and the only way to motivate them is to withdraw financial support, which only causes greater anxiety and stress, and makes returning to work less likely.” Mr Farmer expressed the opinion that everyone out of work due to their mental health problem needs to be placed onto new, locally commissioned schemes, which reflect individual and local needs.

He added: “Such a scheme would take a personalised, tailored approach which really understands and addresses the complex nature of mental health problems and how they can impact someone’s ability to find and keep a job.” The Herald spoke with a representative from Mind in Pembrokeshire, who have been involved in just such a local scheme.

A spokesperson said: “The Creating Opportunities and Skills Team (COAST) scheme that was funded by the Council did get people back into work. That was run in conjunction with people like ourselves and Frame, which finished in the early part of this year. “People that were on a work program couldn’t be on COAST which we were using, because they wouldn’t fund the two things. People wanted to enrol on our COAST projects, and do the courses, but couldn’t because they were on a Work Programme or Work Choice.

“COAST had a huge range of courses; emotional well being, anger management, bricklaying, motor mechanics, etc. If people came to us they could gain funding through COAST but not if they were on the Back to Work scheme”. They went on to question whether the Government schemes even offered effective back to work courses, such as those that could give them experience of job interviews or just what to wear at these interviews. They said that they had got many people into work through the COAST scheme.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

2 mins ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

8 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.