Health agency celebrates birthday

To mark the landmark anniversary, Lord William Wallace of Saltaire, is due to open The Cellar Project's new employment "hub" facility today.

The Shipley-based social enterprise assists people who have experienced medium to severe mental health problems to regain their confidence, rebuild their skills and get back into voluntary or paid employment, education or training.

Its staff provide support in most aspects of finding work.

The organisation began life 25 years ago in humble surroundings in the basement of a social services building which gave it its name.

Since then, the organisation has grown and for the last 18 years it has been based at its workshop facilities in the old St Walburga's Junior school on Farfield Road, Shipley.

It is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year by opening the new facility in a refurbished building on the site.

Project manager Marilyn Beech said: "We believe that the new employment hub will establish us as a well-resourced employment service fit for the 21st century.

"The Cellar board wishes to thank everyone, services, staff and private individuals alike, who have helped in any way to bring this project to completion during its anniversary year."

The facility will extend the range of recovery services and support available for people throughout Bradford and Airedale who have experienced mental health conditions.

The hub, which includes interview facilities, a training room and an administration centre. will house Bradford district care trust staff, students and the charity's staff.

The Cellar's refurbishment of the site has been supported by significant capital investment from adult and community services at Bradford Council.