Woolwich garage is first step back to employment

A garage in Woolwich, South East London, is in the news for the right reasons after local MP Nick Raynsford paid it a visit.

SMaRT Garage Services is one of three new state-of-the-art workshops and MOT stations set up by First Step Trust, a charity that helps people with mental health problems and other disadvantages to get back to work.

The first beneficiary of the scheme was Carolyn Morgan, who joined FST to regain her self-confidence and build up her skills before applying for a job.

She fell ill and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after leaving work to have a baby eight years ago.

“When I heard FST was developing a garage in Woolwich, I was really excited and put my name down for a place,” she said.

“Within a few weeks they helped me get onto an NVQ in motor mechanics at Greenwich Community College.”

In recognition of her achievements, Nick Raynsford presented her with her first professional 150-piece tool set, donated by Halfords in Charlton.

He said: “I am sure that SMaRT Garage Services will prove a great success and will provide a really useful local facility.”