Minister samples centre’s success

Cabinet office minister Tessa Jowell (from the left), at Chadderton Court with Christine Bailey from Sunshine Care, service user William Bradley, volunteer Edwina Lennon, Paul Davies, assistant director for adult services, and Councillor Lord

A UNIQUE service for people recovering from mental health problems prompted MP Tessa Jowell to visit Chadderton yesterday.

The Cabinet office minister paid a whistle-stop visit to Chadderton Court to speak to the people who run it and the people who go to the centre.

She broke off from an engagement in Manchester to make the trip after hearing of the success the centre has in helping people into jobs.

She also met Councillor Brian Lord, Oldham Council cabinet member for adult and social services, and Paul Davies, assistant director for adult services.

Councillor Lord told the Chronicle: “She was aware we had done a lot of good work in Oldham in helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds get into work.

“We have a very wide range of types of people and of support available to them, and she was anxious to see the work being done here.”

The resource centre, which promotes social inclusion, is open from 9am until 10pm and is used by a variety of community groups.

Councillor Lord said the centre was unique in the country, providing a free meeting place for any community group, a drop-in centre, and the option for people to talk about any problems they have.

He explained: “It has a good track record for getting people into work — people who have been told by their doctor they will never work again.

“People are encouraged to get into volunteering then hopefully into a part-time then a full time job.

“Ms Jowell came to listen rather than to say, and she went away realising there was tremendous enthusiasm in Oldham to help people into jobs,” added Councillor Lord.

“She said she had learnt a lot, and asked if there was anything the Government could do to help.”