The RE STORE project

We need to continue to employ the manager of the RE STORE Project. Emma, is a mental health support worker who used to be an art teacher in high school. She has a level 3 qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and an Art Degree. She uses art and crafts as a means to help people think about their mental health and wellbeing. She uses CBT as a way to show people small steps they can make to make a big difference to their mental health and their outlook on life. 

When people take part in creative activity they use the same side of the brain as our emotional make up. It therefore taps into our emotions so we can express ourselves in a very different way. It helps people to think about their life and rebuilds the confidence they have lost through unemployment. It helps them to look at new pathways and possibilities to employment whilst learning new skills. Creativity and art is very therapeutic and Emma is able to teach art, printing, and various other hand made crafts and art techniques. 

We have helped people back into education given them retail skills in our gallery/shop and helped them through the process of applying for jobs. We also give tips on how to conduct yourself in an interview. We have helped people to set up their own 'Cottage Industry' or small business. THE RE STORE project helps people discover skills they can learn and at the same time get mental health support as they work. 

We get referrals from the job centre and from social services as well as other services, for people who are on benefits and feel there is no hope of them getting work again due to their poor mental health. Some people just build more confidence which helps them make better life decisions, but other go back into education employment or starting their own small business. 

We have had people who have not earned a wage in 20 years make crafts to sell in our shop and been in tears when they earn their first small amount of money from the sale. It means so much when someone wants to buy the item they made or the piece of art they produced. The validation is life changing for some. 

We once had a trustee of a charity visit, who worked as psychologist  for the NHS, said our project was somethings the NHS were missing. He said if the NHS adopted our project they would save an awful lot of money. We believe we have an effective approach to help people who are struggling to build confidence, and better their prospects in work, education and life in general