A UK Government Minister paid tribute to the “great work” of a Rhyl based not-for-profit organisation in the House of Commons this week, after Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies championed the work it does and called on the Government to continue supporting such organisations.
Taking part in Monday’s proceedings, James referred to the critical employment support not-for-profit organisations have provided throughout the Covid-19 outbreak and cited RCS Wales in Rhyl as an example.
RCS is a self-sustaining, Community Interest Company which was established in 2007 to tackle unemployment and economic inactivity in Rhyl. It now operate across North Wales from its office bases in Rhyl and Bangor.
Throughout the pandemic, RCS has been providing: one-to-one support over the phone, Skype or Whatsapp; free counselling or talking therapies over the phone; tips for happy and healthy home-working; and positive action for employers to help keep workforces healthy.
Speaking in the House of Commons, James asked what the Department of Work and Pensions could do to support such organisations. He also asked what could be done to “ensure that people with mental health difficulties are not left behind as they look for sustainable employment”.
Responding, the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Justin Tomlinson MP, paid tribute to the "great work" RCS is doing and told James he would “love to visit and see the work of RCS when it is safe to do so”.
He added: ”We understand the role of good mental wellbeing and helping individuals into the job market, and in Wales we have provided £1.3 million to test the new individual placement and support. We also provide contracted employment support programmes specifically tailored to disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, as well as administering the Access to Work scheme and the Disability Confident campaign.”
Commenting after the meeting James said:
“RCS do fantastic work under normal circumstances but have gone above and beyond throughout this pandemic, when there has been so much change and uncertainty around employment.
“I was pleased by the Minister’s supportive response and I look forward to welcoming him to Rhyl, when it is possible, so that he can see first-hand the vital service RCS provides to not only people in the Vale of Clwyd, but across North Wales.”
To access support from RCS call 01745 336442 or email [email protected].
