Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies launches Employment Support service in partnership with The Cellar Trust

Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, in partnership with The Cellar Trust, is proud to announce a new initiative aimed at helping individuals with mental health conditions find and sustain meaningful employment. The service offers tailored support to ensure that mental health care and workplace well-being go hand in hand, providing practical assistance for those struggling with mental health to secure or maintain employment.

The transformative impact of this service is exemplified by Ian Craig, 60, who faced significant challenges at work due to physical disabilities and ongoing struggles with low mood. “I felt like no one was listening, and it left me in a really bad place. My employer wasn’t recognising my disabilities, and I just couldn’t cope,” Ian shared. After his employer failed to accommodate his needs despite occupational health recommendations, Ian struggled with both his mental and physical health.

After being referred to the Employment Support service through Talking Therapies, Ian connected with Diane, an employment advisor. Diane provided Ian with personalised, practical advice, helping him understand his rights under the Equality Act 2010 and develop assertive communication strategies.

Elaborating further, Ian said: “Diane listened to me like nobody else had done. She gave me the confidence to approach my employer and helped me understand how to navigate workplace challenges.”

With Diane’s support, Ian successfully returned to work on a phased basis, feeling empowered and equipped with tools to handle future challenges. Reflecting on his experience, Ian praised the personalised care he received: “Diane is amazing and very knowledgeable. She listened, understood, and only gave advice after discussing what I needed. The Employment Support service is a wonderful asset, and I would highly recommend it to anyone in a similar position.”

• The service features employment advisors who specialise in:
• Helping individuals find suitable job opportunities.
• Assisting those on sick leave to transition back to work.
• Supporting employees in maintaining their current roles.

This service is available to people currently receiving talking therapies, ensuring a seamless connection between mental health support and employment guidance. Individuals currently receiving talking therapies are encouraged to speak with their therapist, who can arrange a referral to the Employment Advisors team. Appointments are available to help people take their first step toward employment stability and mental health recovery.

Naomi Holdsworth, Operations Service Manager at Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, said:
“We’re delighted that Ian is now thriving in his career. We know that being in work is a key part of recovery from mental ill health for many people and gaining or sustaining employment can have a positive impact on emotional well-being, restoring confidence, hope, and a sense of purpose.”

This initiative is part of Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies’ commitment to supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, and employment challenges. By combining mental health care with employment support, the service empowers individuals to overcome barriers, regain confidence, and move forward in their lives.

For more information, visit www.bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk or call 01274 221 181.

For additional mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven, including self-help resources, visit www.healthyminds.services.

MAST Wins National Award

We are delighted to announce that MAST has received the award for ‘Charity Collaboration of the Year’ at this year’s Charity Times Awards. Each year the awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the charity and non-profit sector.  

The aim of MAST is to work with individuals who are at risk of frequent hospital admissions, reducing pressure of NHS Emergency Departments. MAST, which is delivered in partnership with The Cellar Trust, Project 6, HALE, Keighley Healthy Living and Carers’ Resource, provides specialist support to patients, before and after discharge, both on the ward and then in the community to improve wellbeing and remove barriers that may lead to readmission.  

Kim Shutler, Chief Executive of the Cellar Trust said: 

“MAST is a perfect example of what can be achieved through partnership working, collaboration and dogged determination. This would only have been possible with the brave, innovative commissioning across Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, this way of working is the way forwards in the health and care sector.” 

Dr Lorraine O’Donnell, Chief Executive of Bradford Council said: 

“This is a great achievement for everyone involved and we are very proud of what the teams have accomplished. In the Bradford district we recognise that collaboration is central to tackling many complex social issues, and it’s good to see this approach being rewarded.? 

?”MAST highlights the importance of shared values across all the agencies involved, and working in partnership in this way allows our practitioners to fully understand complex care needs and provide more successful outcomes for people.” 

In 2023 MAST worked with 3656 people, supporting them with needs around mental health, substance use, frailty and other social barriers. The team includes specialist works form each of the partner organisations, sharing resources and expertise. Since it first began delivery, the project has expanded and now has a presence in Airedale General Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary.  

Professor Mel Pickup, CEO of Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundations Trust said: 

“MAST is a brilliant example of a collaborative working across the NHS, voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, and local government. The team are a real asset within our hospital, helping us to deliver better support for the people of Bradford District” 

Caroline Britton, Director of Operations at Project 6 said: 

“This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of all the team member that make MAST such an effective service. It demonstrates how community rooted organisations are perfectly placed to respond to the local need and can play a vital role in improving people’s lives.” 

The awards ceremony took place on 25th September at Grosvenor Square, London and was attended by representatives of the charities in the MAST partnership. We’d like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in MAST and especially to Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership for continuing to fund this service. 

Exciting news for Shipley!

Work has started on Shipley’s new Health, Well-being and Community Campus (HWCC) at The Old School building on Farfield Road.

The £3m project, which has been Government funded through the Shipley Towns Fund, is intended to transform the way mental health and well-being services are delivered in Shipley.

The former school building will undergo a complete refurbishment, with work carried out by local contractors Whittaker and Leach.

It will include a new atrium, communal space and gardens for both building users and local people to enjoy.

A variety of health and well-being activities, along with early help and prevention support for all age groups, will be available at the state-of-the-art centre.

The facility will continue to be run by founding member charity, The Cellar Trust.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “It’s no understatement to say that this new community facility will be invaluable, delivering improved access to a wide-range of mental and physical health services.

“It will change the way people can access support and will ultimately help to change people’s lives for the better.”

The Cellar Trust CEO, Kim Shutler, said: “Our objective is to work in partnership to enhance health and well-being services in Shipley, improving access for local residents.

“The new centre will also serve as a hub for skills development, training, and enterprise through its support for new voluntary, community and social enterprises so they can innovate, collaborate and grow.

“By bringing people together, we also believe the centre will benefit other local businesses and services in Shipley.”

Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund Board, Adam Clerkin, added: “We’re thrilled at the progress made and excited to see the new facility take shape over the coming months.

“As a result of Government funding, with full support from Bradford Council, The Cellar Trust team are delivering on their mission to improve mental health support for Shipley and beyond.”

Services will be available for the whole community and will particularly focus on supporting vulnerable people.

There will be large rooms for groups and events, smaller activity rooms, consulting rooms for clinical and non-clinical interventions as well as a multi-faith and contemplation space.

Office and co-working space has also been set aside for health and well-being providers and social enterprises.

The new facilities are expected to open in summer 2025.