A GROWING mental health charity based in Littlemore and Blackbird Leys will be taking students under its wing this September to boost their skills.

Representatives from Response, which offers supported housing and home care to about 400 people in Oxfordshire each year, has signed a contract with Activate Learning, the firm behind City of Oxford College and Banbury and Bicester College.

Those taking courses in health and social care will be offered work placements, support and mental health awareness training at Response.

CEO John McLaughlin said: "We know the demand for people to work in the care sector in Oxfordshire is growing fast.

"These students are still only going to be 18 or 19, so quite young, but the workforce of the future. For us the key is getting people at that age and helping mould them."

To begin with the partnership will benefit second-year students on full-time programmes at the college's Oxpens Road campus.

Under the guidance of Response staff they will work with lower-needs clients to improve their communication skills and interview techniques.

The wellbeing of the students themselves also stands to benefit from the scheme.

Mr McLaughlin added: "Cases of mental health illness among young people has grown significantly in the last 10 years.

"Catching the signs early is important. With the curriculum delivery we'll also be teaching students, teachers and management how to spot the signs and what to do."

In recent months Response has moved some of its home care section, currently growing by 20 per cent every year, into the Pathway Workshop's premises in Dunnock Way.

It is set to formally take over the site in the coming weeks as part of a charity partnership, Thrive-Response.

Five paid roles at the charity are also being created aimed at applications from students who show desire and aptitude during their course.

Salwa Boon, curriculum director at Activate Learning, said “We are committed to offering our students a direct line of sight to employment by offering them opportunities to gain practical experience and build relationships with employers.

"By working with Response we’re delivering the best possible student experience as well as highly motivated and work-ready people into the sector.”