FEAT (Fife Employment Access Trust) was formed in 1994 by a small group of people who were experiencing difficulty in gaining work due to disabilities and/or mental health problems. Over the years, the organisation has expanded and developed a keen understanding of the issues and barriers faced by this group and now have a proven track record of helping clients to overcome such barriers and gain sustainable employment. As a testimony of the achievements made to date, but also an acknowledgement of the vast amount of work still be done, FEAT were recently awarded 5-year big lottery funding to deliver their ìJourney to Workî programme. As well as continuing to support people with mental health difficulties to find and sustain work, the funding is also to develop a range services aimed at Fife employers.
Sallie Anderson, FEAT Manager, says, ìWide-ranging research has shown that mental health problems are the reason for up to half of all staff absences each year and the average time lost per year through stress related illness alone is 29 days. Resultantly, we have developed a range of awareness raising measures to enable employers to support and manage an employee through any mental health problem and maintain a confident and motivated workforce, significantly reducing staff absences at the same time.î
FEATís work with individuals has also increased, now able to offer a wide range of options to anyone who has experienced mental ill health and now wants to regain work. Sallie explains, ìWe offer one-to-one support, personal development training, specific skill workshops, work placements and also counselling if required. Every individual will be able to participate in some or all of these options, depending upon their needs.î
Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, is a supporter of the work of FEAT and met up with members of the team recently, stating, I want to congratulate Fife Employment Access Trust on the important work they do in helping to challenge the myths and stereotypes around mental health. FEAT can bring about lasting social change by being part of the concerted effort to challenge attitudes, to enable people to fulfil their aspirations, and to significantly improve opportunities and outcomes for people with mental health problems. FEAT have a key role to play in enabling the people of Fife to have choices to improve their quality of life and be included as equal members of society.
Journey to Work will be launched as part of FEATís Annual General Meeting on 14th November in Rothes Halls. Sallie Anderson, Manager of FEAT, will present an overview of ìJourney to Workî and guest speakers from the private sector will also add to the celebrations on the day.
If you are interested in finding out more about the work of FEAT, or would like to attend their AGM, please contact the office at 01592 749880 or visit www.journeytowork.co.uk for full details.
Fife employment access trust: Journey to work
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