MENTAL health patients in Bromley are set to benefit from a £160,000 European grant to improve workplace skills.

The money from the European Social Fund will go to a two-year project starting this month to help 200 people with mental health needs.

The project, which will be run by the Bromley Mental Health Work-Net, aims to train patients in IT, numeracy, literacy and office skills.

Students will be given individual mentors to support them through the programme.

Chairman of Bromley social services and housing committee Councillor Malcolm Hyland said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this grant.

"People with mental health needs may need a greater amount of flexibility when in employment or training and providers need to be aware of issues like side-effects of medication or the need for additional support or encouragement.

December 11, 2001 10:45