WORKERS have been honoured for aiding people with mental health problems gain the skills they need to lead ordinary lives.

The Occupational Therapy Skills Centre at the County Hospital, in North Road, Durham, has won a service improvement award at County Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust's first annual reward and recognition ceremony.

The team, which supports people in setting and achieving goals such as paid employment, voluntary work or further education and training, has developed a formal qualification to recognise the achievements made by people attending the centre.

The Profile of Achievement, which has been accredited by City and Guilds, enables people to set their own goals, such as communicating with other people, or improving problem-solving skills.

Rob Chatwin, a technical instructor at the centre, said: "We were aware that people attending the skills centre were making major advancements in their recovery but that there was no formal recognition of this.

"Both the Profile of Achievements and the qualification itself help build confidence and motivate people to set and achieve more goals in the future."

Sandy Taylor, chief executive of the trust, said: "This was a well deserved award.

"The initiative is an excellent example of how we can encourage and support people with mental health problems in engaging in meaningful occupation, employment and education."

The Skills Centre team received £250 in high street shopping vouchers and an engraved crystal bowl, both donated by Tillery Valley Foods Limited.