A PRINTING company that helps people with mental health problems has been awarded funds for the work the company does to help people with mental health problems.

Brentwood Community Print received a grant of £9,700 from The Coombewood Amenity Fund.

The money will help the company to set up a peer mentoring project to help new people joining the community interest company to build up their confidence and skills.

The company works to produce high quality print at competitive prices, providing a valuable service to the community as well as allowing people to move forward with their recovery.

The Coombewood Amenity Fund supports organisations giving practical help to people who want to improve their chances of returning to work.

The fund was established when Essex County Council opened the Coombewood Centre in 1971, a sheltered workshop for people with mental health problems. Money from the sale of goods produced was put into the fund, which is now one of the 133 named charitable funds managed by Essex Community Foundation

Since it was established in 2003, 20 voluntary and community organisations have received grants with the amount awarded now totalling over £115,000.

Caroline Taylor, Chief Executive of ECF, said: “This fund is a vital source for organisations who are helping those with mental health problems regain employment and we are delighted that it has already benefited so many people.

“We would like to hear from organisations working in Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Rochford, Southend and Thurrock. Grants can be awarded to fund training, to improve educational skills and personal development, and to build confidence with the aim of helping people get back to work”.

Other voluntary and community organisations helping people who are recovering from mental health problems to find work in the South of Essex are being invited to apply to the fund which is managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

For more information on how to apply visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or call ECF’s grants team on 01245 356018.