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Last updated: 18 February 2010
18 February 2010
Charities Minister, Angela Smith, visited The Roby in Manchester today to see first hand how they are using Government funding to help younger and older volunteers address mental health issues in their community.
The Roby, a local community centre, received funding of £35,000 as part of the Government’s £5.5 million Generations Together programme which aims to promote volunteering between younger and older generations to tackle local issues.
On her visit, the Minister witnessed the launch of three new mental health projects which are being provided through the funding. The projects include training courses aimed to equip groups of older and younger people with advocacy skills, understanding of mental well-being and illness and the confidence to support others with mental health issues within their communities.
She met with staff, volunteers and participants in the projects and joined a workshop which was exploring the issues that affect an individual’s mental health.
Angela Smith, said:
“It has been great to see how The Roby Mental Health Project is helping people in Manchester. It is an excellent example of bringing older and younger generations together to tackle issues within their community.
“It’s been truly inspiring to meet the staff, volunteers and participants of the project and witness first hand how the education, training and volunteering opportunities they provide are helping those with mental health problems in their local area.”
Cllr Rosa Battle, Assistant Executive Member and lead for intergenerational work at Manchester City Council, said:
"We are delighted that the Minister is visiting The Roby because it has been a mainstay in the community for 20 years, supporting residents with their mental health and general well-being. Not only is it a therapeutic environment, but it also brings together younger and older people from some of the most excluded communities, allowing for shared experiences alongside practical support including counselling."
The ‘Generations Together’ programme, aims to break down barriers between young people and older people and help them engage with each other on equal terms through mutually beneficial voluntary projects.
The projects bring together young people and other members of the community to build trust and understanding, develop community solutions to issues which concern both groups, promote health and wellbeing and resolve tensions by helping to address negative perceptions of young and older people alike.