Employment has long been a key focus for Mosaic Clubhouse, with returning to work often representing an important step in recovery from a mental health condition. Over 25 years spent supporting those struggling with mental health challenges across the borough, Mosaic has developed a reputation for building up people’s skills and confidence to the point they feel ready to re-enter the labour market, and indeed many do through the Clubhouse’s supported Transitional Employment programme.
On September 20, the Employment & Education unit at Mosaic organised a Disability Confident Jobs fair, bringing together a number of organisations doing great work across Lambeth to employ and support a diverse range of people, no matter the challenges they face. Those looking to recruit included Better Gym, Certitude, Age UK Lambeth and South London & Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM), who have a number of exciting peer support positions available. The growing recognition of lived experience as an invaluable resource to call upon in supporting others has been a great shift in recent years, and it’s nice to see this reflected in our local NHS trust.
There were also a number of organisations in attendance offering voluntary roles as well as employability help, including DWP job coaches and the SPEAR programme, who do fantastic work coaching young adults back into work. Education was also represented, with Morley College, High Trees and LMP Courses in attendance with some key skills courses on offer.
The breadth and range of organisations in attendance ensured that there was something for everyone, from those ready for work to those just thinking about first steps. And of course, the jobs fair would be nothing without the job seekers who turned out in their numbers. The room was a hive of activity throughout, as both members of the Clubhouse and the public made the rounds of tables, and there was a real note of promise in the air. As the lockdowns recede into the past, it was good to be reminded of the importance of making connections face-to-face, both for the organisations and individuals in attendance.
A member of Mosaic Clubhouse said ”I had a really nice morning at the jobs fair in Mosaic. It was so encouraging to see such a wide range of organisations that cater for people with additional needs. I had a good chat with a few different groups and will definitely be chasing them up.”
Barney Stark