Training constitutes one of our main sources of income, which is second just to sales. We provide training as therapeutic activity, aiming at the same time to improve the skills, confidence and employability of our trainees. The objectives of the training programmes are encompassed within the central purposes of the charity and the training schemes are specifically designed to help people with mental health problems and members of other disadvantaged groups of the community, including people from the ethnic minority groups.

Our training programmes are flexible and tailored to suit individual needs. All vocational and work related skills embed ‘Skills for Life’ and ESOL (if appropriate). In addition, all training programmes include confidence building and assertiveness activities. In some cases, we work with other organisations and agencies for the provision and accreditation of the projects. We are currently working towards an NVQ Level 3 in Carpentry and Joinery to be delivered at our Bontoft Avenue site. We have a good working relationship with FERN Training and Development Ltd., Skills Initiatives, MENCAP, Council for Drug Problems, NHS/PCT Mental Health Workers, Hull CVS, Hull Homeless and Rootless Project and organisations of ethnic minority groups who refer clients to us.

We also work in conjunction with ICTS Ltd. (Hull) to deliver training in forklift truck operation (reach and counterbalance). These courses comply with the recommendations of the Health and Safety Commission Approved Code of Practice and Supplementary Guidance for Rider Operated Lift Trucks – Operator Training (L 117) (Accreditation from RTITB). Our working partnership with ICTS Ltd. helps us to deliver ‘Skills for Life’ training leading to qualifications at Level 1 and Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy (National Test in Adult Education).

Social inclusion and community integration are important concerns of our charity. Our training programmes aim at developing individual and collective skills to reinforce the community cohesion and encouraging participants to become involved in community and charitable undertakings. We believe that socially excluded groups face barriers for integration within the community and that appropriate training can help them to break the cycle of social exclusion.

We are presently running three very successful projects as part of our social inclusion agenda: “Becoming a Successful Volunteer”, Raising Awareness of Mental Health Issues” and “Disability and Diversity: Building Inclusive Communities”. These projects attract the participation of people living in situation of social disadvantage and members of ethnic minority groups.