A Nottinghamshire County Council project that works with people with mental health difficulties across the county is helping to boost their wellbeing and employment levels.

The Co-production project encourages participants to share their skills, experiences and passion with others through group sessions, activities and workshops on areas of interest such as music, art, adult education, gardening and support groups.

Around 85 percent of attendees have sustained or increased their employment levels and participation in volunteering activities since getting involved in the project.

Likewise, 60 percent of attendees have reported a boost to their wellbeing and 22 percent said their wellbeing levels remained the same.

Around 28 percent participants said they rarely connected with family, friends and the wider community before getting involved, all of whom said they increased social contact six months into the project.

Around 350 Nottinghamshire residents take part in the project each week, which includes around:

• 180 Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe residents
• 90 Bassetlaw and Newark and Sherwood residents
• 80 Mansfield and Ashfield residents.

The project is celebrating and sharing its success at a public event at Mansfield Library this Friday (16 October) from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Participants will be showcasing their music and art skills at the event and there will be a range of health and well-being activities for all to get involved in along with help and advice on mental health.

Councillor Muriel Weisz, chair of the County Council’s Adult Social Care and Health Committee, said: “This project helps to empower people with mental health difficulties as they decide what activities will help improve their health and wellbeing.

“It’s very much about participants developing and sharing their skills with the aim of increasing confidence and self-worth, and the positive impacts on employment, well- being and social interaction show this approach really works.”

The council is also working with other organisations to set up health and wellbeing hubs across the county to offer social space and therapeutic activities for people with mental health difficulties.

To find out more about the help and support that is available to local people with mental health problems contact the Council on 0300 500 80 80 or visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk