LOCAL employment and health specialists Seetec Pluss are reassuring people that ‘darkness doesn’t last forever’ during this Mental Health Awareness Week.

They are providing one-to-one support that helps lift people up out of their darkest places and back to feeling good about themselves – and able to find work.

In England, 1.4 million people were in contact with NHS-funded mental health services at the end of January 2021.

Seetec Pluss, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and the EU Social Fund, is offering sessions promoting health and wellbeing for job seekers, employees and apprentices.

Matt Tallyn-Hancock, 20, from Liskeard, joined the Army at 16, but was discharged a year later because of mental health issues, leading him to spiral into depression.

He worked in several building, landscaping and bartending jobs but his mental health declined until he was sectioned and admitted to Bodmin Hospital.

Matt was determined to get back on his feet but COVID-19 lockdowns and the side-effects of his medication left him struggling to cope. All this was compounded by rising debts, rent arrears and the threat of eviction.

He was referred to employment and health specialist Seetec Pluss under the COVID-19 recovery JETS (Job Entry Targeted Support) scheme.

Seetec Pluss Employment Adviser Demelza got to know Matt through regular phone calls with him, discovering what he wanted to do with his life, and checking on his progress.

Matt said: “Seetec Pluss called me every day and continuously complimented me on how well I was doing, which was a huge boost. It’s great to have positive reassurance to keep you going.

“I passed my CSCS test which meant I could get back to working in construction which I’ve always been interested in. I started work as a labourer with a construction agency. I really enjoy my job; no day is ever the same. I get to look at a project such as a house being built and think ‘that part is there because of me.’

“I just feel an overwhelming sense of joy, I’ve pulled myself out of a hole and I can finally start planning my life. It just goes to show that darkness doesn’t last forever.

“No matter how bad a situation you get into, there’s always help out there and I’ve got nothing but appreciation for Seetec Pluss.”

For Mental Health Awareness Week, the Seetec Group, is hosting support sessions for people looking for work, in work, or apprentices.

This is part of the employee-owned business’ commitment to create an inclusive society where individuals, employers and communities across all regions of the UK and Ireland can thrive and fulfil their potential.

Seetec recognises that positive mental health is fundamental to this through its experience in supporting thousands of people every year to find employment, increase their skills, and for some, to help them move away from past criminal behaviour.

It’s runnning sessions for employers, employees and apprentices - and one is taking place tomorrow (Friday May 14) at 9.30am.

Entitled Positive Mental Health for Learning and Work, it’s ideal for apprentices, parents/carers and new recruits.

Seetec’s mental health support not only focuses on the communities it serves but also on its own doorstep. Group Chief Executive, John Baumback signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge a year ago, outlining the Group’s commitment to tackling stigma and discrimination against mental health in the workplace.

Seetec has trained 248 Mental Health First Aiders across the Group – providing online training during COVID-19 restrictions – to understand and support anyone in the workplace facing a mental health issue.

Seetec has organised health and well-being sessions ranging from yoga and walking challenges to mindfulness and online ‘listening ear’ services.

John Baumback, Seetec Group chief executive, said: “After a year in which many people have faced social isolation, job insecurity and major life upheavals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to provide re-skilling opportunities, employment support and mental health support to make sure no-one is left behind and to assist both economic and social recovery.”

To find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week Mental Health Awareness Week and about Seetec’s services https://www.seetec.co.uk/