Mayor praises peer mentors and Wrexham employers who help people into work

The mayor of Wrexham has praised employers and support services which help people overcome health barriers and get into work.

Cllr Rob Walsh hailed the “fantastic” efforts taking place in the town as he joined job-hunters at a special fair hosted by peer mentoring and employability service Cyfle Cymru.

Dozens of people visited the event at the Champions’ House recovery hub on Grove Park Road last week.

Cyfle Cymru offers people with experience of substance misuse and mental health conditions one-to-one support from a team of peer mentors – and works directly with businesses to help individuals into rewarding work.

Exhibitors included cable packaging firm Marlin Industries, Wrexham County Borough Council, Jobcentre Plus, Wrexham Glyndwr University, The Salvation Army and recruitment specialists Recruit Right and Building Careers.

“It was wonderful to meet the team and some of the service users at the Cyfle Cymru jobs fair at Champions’ House,” said Cllr Walsh.

“I had the opportunity to learn about the fantastic work taking place to assist individuals who have previously suffered with addiction and mental health problems overcome barriers and help them to get back into work.

“It was great to see local employers and employment support agencies in attendance offering opportunities that are often difficult for some people in the community to access.”

Peer mentor George James said it had been a pleasure to welcome the Mayor, and to show him how personal one-to-one support is helping people in Wrexham find new jobs and new opportunities.

“We would like to thank Rob for giving some of his time to hear about the work that Cyfle Cymru has been doing, and also meet and speak to some of the companies that we have been working with,” he said.

“It is great that more and more businesses in Wrexham recognise the potential of the people we work with – and want to help them into new careers.”

Cyfle Cymru is led by rehab and recovery charity CAIS, with the support of funding from the European Social Fund. It provides direct help and support, as well as volunteering opportunities, access to training and help to find work.

So far the project has helped 45 people from Wrexham into new jobs, and supported 182 people to complete a new work-related certificate or qualification.

More than 140 people have taken part in volunteering events in Wrexham, including a recent clean-up at St Giles’ Churchyard – marking a significant contribution to the wider community.

In all, more than 7,400 people from across the North Wales, Gwent, Dyfed, Powys and Western Bay areas have received support from Cyfle Cymru peer mentors since the project began in late 2016.

Find out more about the Cyfle Cymru programme by visiting www.dacw.co.uk, calling 0300 777 2256, emailing [email protected] or searching Cyfle Cymru on social media.