The centre will integrate employment training and support with wellbeing initiatives such as running clubs, book groups and healthy eating workshops
Employment charity the Shaw Trust Scotland is creating a new third sector work and wellbeing centre at the site of the former Forth Sector Duddingston Yards in Edinburgh.
The Wellbeing Works campus, as it will be known, is being created following the merger of Forth Sector with the uk-wide Shaw Trust earlier this year.
Employability and training minister Jamie Hepburn visited recently to see how the charity aims to deliver the Scottish Government’s Work First Scotland programme.
The programme will offer disabled people access to a range of services aimed at improving their health and employment chances.
This includes support to manage physical and mental health conditions, wellbeing services including exercise classes, running clubs, book groups and healthy eating workshops.
In addition it will offer tailored employability training to help participants find and sustain work.
Shaw Trust Scotland is also opening Wellbeing Works up to the local community free of charge, as part of the charity's commitment to improve wellbeing and tackle social isolation.
Wellbeing Works will also provide a Safe Spaces café, where local mental health organisations can meet their customers for tea and coffee in a supportive and safe environment.
Austin Hardie, executive director for enterprise and operations at Shaw Trust Scotland, said: "Wellbeing Works forms part of our wider commitment to delivering Work First Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government, helping disabled people secure meaningful long-term employment.
"The subject of health and wellbeing affects us all, no matter what our circumstances. It is therefore important we are able to offer a service anyone can use easily and without stigma. Wellbeing Works does this by integrating a range of services specifically tailored to meet the needs of the local community, set within vibrant and inclusive community facilities."
Some services will be provided at the site by NHS Lothian, Edinburgh College and range of local and community organisations.
This integrated approach operates on the principle that people in meaningful employment have better health and wellbeing than those without.
The centre will fully open later in the summer following the completion of further construction work.
Hepburn said: "This unique facility is bringing together employment and wellbeing support in one place, giving the community and people who are accessing Work First Scotland services, a safe space to access a range of support.
"This kind of integration and alignment with other services is a vital part of the Scottish Government's ambition to tackle labour market inequalities and help more people into work."
