Skilled crafts people from a unique Kemp Town ‘back to work’ scheme were joined by Brighton & Hove City Council Leader Brian Oxley at a wood working workshop on the 15th of November.

Cllr Oxley was able to see first hand the range of clocks, mirrors, jewellery and lamps crafted by workers from the Limited Edition project. Many of the unique items have been made from dirftwood salvaged from Brighton's West Pier.

The project, part of the Richmond Fellowship, provides employment, training and advice for people suffering from mental health problems. The workshops provide a stepping stone for those who are finding it difficult to get back into work, utilising their skills, interests and abilities and offering training, advice and support. Limited Editions is one of over 30 back to work schemes which has been part funded by Brighton & Hove Equal over the past two years.

Following his visit to Limited Editions, Cllr Oxley went to Care Co-ops 20:20 café at Brighton General Hospital. Care Co-ops offers a range of services to learning disabled adults, those with mental health support needs and adults returning to work.

He was then joined for lunch by Charles Wunderman and Cathy Gaunt, beneficiaries of the Equal funded 50+ project that supports people aged over 50 to enter new or alternative employment through specialist advice and training.

Cllr Oxley said: “Over the past two years the Equal project has supported more than 30 back to work schemes in the city, providing hundreds of opportunities for local people to access support, training and work placements. I am looking to seeing first hand how these schemes have had a huge impact in the city, meeting the staff who run them, and hearing the stories of those whose lives have been changed by taking part.”

He was joined by Equal programme Manager Terry Roy who said "We're very pleased that Cllr Oxley is able to visit with both the projects to meet those who participated and to learn more about the impact their work has on the lives of Brighton and Hove residents. These schemes are not just about providing work experience but are enabling clients to discover their abilities, unleash their creativity, develop skills, boost confidence and break down any barriers in getting back into work.”