A fund of more than £3 million will be created by the UK
Government in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council to
support the mental health and wellbeing of Tata
Steel workers and their families in Port Talbot and the wider
community.
Chairing the latest meeting of the Tata Steel Port Talbot
Transition Board today (27 March) Welsh Secretary announced £3.27 million to
fund mental health support services in Neath Port
Talbot for those affected by Tata Steel's transition to greener
steelmaking.
The funding, which is flexible and may be increased depending on
demand, is planned to cover services including:
- hiring more counsellors to work directly with affected
steelworkers, and providing extra resources and grants to support
existing mental health provision
- expanding availability of community and peer support such as
through Men's Sheds, She Sheds and other community groups
- funding mental health support in schools where
children are affected by the Tata Steel transition
- Providing specialist advice for steelworkers and their
families navigating the welfare system or struggling with debt
- training council and trade union support workers in suicide
awareness and prevention
The latest funding comes from the UK Government's £80m Tata Steel
/ Port Talbot Transition Board fund which, since last July, has
announced more than £50 million to help individual steelworkers
and businesses in Tata Steel's supply chain to protect jobs and
grow the local economy.
The latest announcement is the first project to support
workers' mental health and wellbeing. In the
coming months, there will be tens of millions more in funding
allocated to growth and regeneration projects in Port Talbot,
ensuring that secure well-paid jobs are available in the local
area.
Wellbeing is key to securing and staying in good employment. So
this funding will contribute to UK Government's mission to boost
economic growth and raise living standards in Wales, as part of
its Plan for Change.
Secretary of State for Wales said:
The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult for the
steelworkers of Port Talbot, their families and for the wider
community but we said we would back them in whatever ways
were needed. We are helping people learn new skills but we also
need to help protect people's mental health, because
well-being is crucial to getting back into work and staying in
work.
By boosting direct support services, we are investing in the
people of the area and supporting growth in the local economy.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning MS said:
Working alongside our Transition Board partners, we will continue
to make sure that the right assistance and support is in place
for those impacted by the Tata changes as well as providing
opportunities for growth, investment and employment wherever they
arise.
Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt said:
Neath Port Talbot Council welcomes the announcement of this
funding and the commitment to support the wellbeing of our local
communities through this difficult time. We know the impact of
change at the steelworks is being felt deeply across the area,
and particularly within Port Talbot itself, where every household
will know many others directly or indirectly affected.
This is a vital addition to the support the council is delivering
alongside our Transition Board partners, as we adapt to the
future of steelmaking in the town and prepare for the new
opportunities offered by future investment and developments such
as the Celtic Freeport.
Martyn Wagstaff, Mental Health Advisor said:
It's really important that anyone who is struggling with
their mental health asks for help. There is
support available and talking to someone is the best way to get
better.
This funding from the Transition Board means that people in Neath
Port Talbot will be able to access more help when needed.
