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August 2007 - Volume 3, No. 4
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Skills training program supplies
building blocks to successby Jadranka Bacic
A skills development initiative designed to help people with mental health issues or disabilities overcome barriers to employment was praised by the Canadian Council on Learning (CCL) at its first Sharing the Flame ceremony in June. The national conference celebrates pioneering learning programs across the country.
Established by the National Network for Mental Health, the BUILT Network provides a supportive environment for people with mental illness and other disabilities to gain personal and professional skills leading to increased self-esteem, confidence and self-reliance.
“The success of the BUILT Network is a wonderful example for us all. I am especially impressed by the grassroots nature of this initiative and the way in which it has developed many collaborative partnerships," said the Honourable Michael Kirby, chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC).
It all began in North Bay in May 2002 with a group of volunteers, some soap and a few shammies. They washed cars to raise money to purchase computers and office furniture so participants could come together as a team and learn valuable workplace skills.
The program experienced an 88 per cent employment placement and retention rate after only 18 months. It now operates six centres across Canada as well as a national online learning component. Last year, 150 graduates of the program became employed full time and another 15 returned to school.
The eight-week program covers such topics as personal development, customer service, sales, computer fundamentals, MS Office, resumes, interviews and professional development.
“We need more programs like it [BUILT Network], and we need to make sure that all workplaces promote good mental health—both for people just returning to work as well as for those who experience mental health challenges while in work," said Chair Kirby.
© Copyright 2007. Canadian Psychiatry Aujourd'hui. All rights reserved.
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May 16, 2012
