A NEW project to help those suffering from mental illness has been officially launched in Worcester.

The city's MP Mike Foster, who attended yesterday's launch of the Acolyte scheme, said he hoped it would help people regain confidence and learn new skills.

Worcestershire Community and Mental Health Trust is behind Acolyte, based at the Shrub Hill Workshop.

Those joining will be taught office skills and become involved in a host of tasks such as typing mailshots and producing presentations.

Work will be undertaken for health and community organisations as well as small businesses.

Team leader Peter Jordan said Acolyte could prove "a useful stepping stone" in helping some people return to work.