Staff and members of a vocational training scheme for the mentally ill have breathed a sigh of relief after being awarded £189,905 to continue services.
Rethink, in Panorama House, Runwell Road, Wickford, which runs various courses for around 50 adults, has received the money as part of the European Social Fund project.
Cheers - Rethink's service manager Des York celebrates the news of the windfall with his happy staff Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
Essex MEP Richard Howitt will officially announce the good news tomorrow.
He said: "The services provided by Rethink in Wickford are second to none and this award of new money from the European Social Fund recognises its contribution to the lives of mental health survivors in the area.
"I am told that without this latest grant, the vocational training scheme would have had to close down."
Service manager of Rethink Des York said: "We depend on 80 per cent funding and without this we would not be able to continue.
"Many of our users get very anxious so this good news is a big relief."
Mr Howitt, who is also the president of the all-party disability group of MEPs, said: "I congratulate Rethink on its work.
"I am delighted people with mental health problems in Wickford will continue to be able to rely on its excellent services and support".
The award is part of £3.5million funding secured by Essex County Council from the European Social Fund and comes during the designated European Year of Disabled People.
Published Thursday, June 19, 2003
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