A DOCUMENTARY showcasing the range of opportunities offered to local people through the COASTAL programme has had its big screen premiere.
Almost 200 people packed Llanelli’s Ffwrnes theatre for the first public showing of the film, created and produced by participants of the scheme, which helps disadvantaged people to secure training and employment.
Now available to view online, the film features interviews with several local people whose lives have been turned around thanks to COASTAL, as well as staff who support participants throughout their journey to work.
Julia Wilkinson COASTAL Team Manager said: “It was a great achievement to see the film on the big screen after so many people had put so much thought and effort in to creating it. It was wonderful to see the faces of the participants and their families on the day, and to see the joy and satisfaction that employment has brought to their lives.”
COASTAL is a regional project through which Carmarthenshire County Council secured over £4million to develop a range of schemes for working-age adults who face barriers to employment.
It has thrown a lifeline to hundreds of people who have struggled to gain employment because of mental health, substance misuse, chronic health condition, or because of a learning or physical disability.
COASTAL staff assist participants to train for and secure a job, as well as supporting employers to understand and meet their needs.
The project is part funded by the European Social Fund, as part of the 2007-2013 West Wales and The Valleys Convergence Programme.
Cllr Jane Tremlett, the council’s Executive Board Member for Health and Social Care, said: “This is a very powerful film which highlights the very real impact the COASTAL project has had on many people’s lives. It portrays very simply how hard it can be to gain meaningful employment if you are disadvantaged because of your health, but it also shows that with the right support it is possible to break those barriers down.”
View the film online at http://vimeo.com/72029062
For further information about COASTAL, please call 01267 246666 or email coastalprojectcarms@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
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