A NEW job club has discovered a close link between unemployment and poor mental health.

The Foundry Church on Lugsdale Road has seen at first hand how being out of work can cause or worsen feelings of despair and anxiety.

“It’s very common for people to feel depressed and isolated and the longer that period of unemployment lasts, the more it affects someone’s self-esteem,” said Samuel Ireton, manager of Widnes Christians Against Poverty job club.

“On top of that, there’s the financial impact of being out of work and it is well known that financial stress is a major cause of poor mental health.”

In new research the job club asked more than 100 people how unemployment made them feel.

More than half said it caused stress, 67 per cent suffered from depression and 61 per cent felt anxious.

Four in 10 had problems sleeping.

The findings come as mental health awareness is being highlighted by the Mental Health Foundation.

“Relationships are key to surviving a time of unemployment and staying positive,” said Samuel.

“It can be a lonely and boring time without work and our team here go all-out to combat that with support and good company.”

The job club offers a more holistic approach.

“During one-to-one coaching and group support, we’re keen to help people remember what they are good at and build confidence,” added Samuel.

“We look after the whole person. We offer a free lunch, it’s a social group.

“Sometimes it takes someone else to recognise the talents we have and if you’ve seen a lot of rejection letters, you really need some encouragement.

“We’re also here to help people do a productive job search, get a great CV together and help to better appreciate what it’s like to be trying to select a good employee.”

Anyone wanting to attend Widnes CAP job club can call 01234 567890.