Workwise, in Bury St Edmunds, is to extend the work link employment support programme across other parts of Suffolk as well as Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

The service offers help and advice to those with mental health issues on training, educational and work based issues with the aim of getting them into employment.

Bosses confirmed they are in advanced negotiations with mental health teams in the Ipswich, Suffolk Coastal, Haverhill, Forest Heath, Stowmarket, Sudbury and Thetford areas to broaden the programme.

Chief executive Valerie Beresford said: “In the UK one in four people suffer from mental health issues at some time in their life so there is a huge demand for a service such as ours.

“Employment and having a structured working day can be the key factor in people’s recovery from mental ill health and we want to ensure as many people as possible are given that opportunity.

“It does not seem right that it is only available in Bury...”