A recent conversation over the fence with my neighbour set me to thinking how the company he manages helps so many people and currently they need our help.

John Boyd is the General Manager of Re-instate Ltd, a charitable company based in Erith; a sheltered workshop for those recovering from mental health problems. It provides a light industrial environment within which confidence, work familiarity and work attitudes can be regained. Re-Instate aims to help those who attend to regain lost confidence, develop skills and positive work habits, improve their sense of responsibility and accountability, provide opportunities for social interaction and focus on individual needs of those who use the workshop. And thus help move their attendees towards re-instatement in open employment or further training.

John is fairly new to this post but speaks with such enthusiasm and affection towards the attendees. Coming to Re-Instate is part of a continuing programme of rehabilitation and the aim is, where possible, to prepare someone for re-entry into the normal job market. The workshop is supported financially by Bexley Council, but also derives income from a variety of local business customers.

The type of work undertaken includes - packing and simple assembly, labelling and re-labelling, mail-shots and promotions, job finishing. The list goes on as the attendees can turn their hands to most manual jobs as long as the work is performed in the workshop at St John’s Hall where there is good supervision to ensure quality control. This is where Newshopper readers help is needed Do you need any jobs as described done? Because helping them, helps you too!

By employing Re-instate their customer scores two goals simultaneously. Supporting adults with mental health problems aged between 18-65 years do a normal job of work. This improves their dignity and self esteem. And you, their customer receives a job well done, in a timely and cost efficient manner! Re-Instate is not a profit motivated company. They need regular work to ensure their customers are well satisfied.

Re-Instate has been in existence for more than 30 years. It began, and continues, as a collaborative project supported by Bexley Council, local businesses, Erith Rotary, the local health authority and local church.

Re-Instate Ltd is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity No. 256433 So if you need some jobs done efficiently and cost effectively, and at the same time help others, to find out more, please get in touch with General Manager – John Boyd - jboyd@tiscali.co.uk / 01322 438155, fax 01322 446740