A COMPANY that helps mentally ill people back into the workplace was officially launched by South Swindon MP Julia Drown.

Phoenix Mailing, based in the Pembroke Centre, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, is a charitable company partly funded by the NHS and European Social Funding that does mail shots and packaging.

In addition to three employees, the company takes on a number of volunteers who have mental health problems, such as depression and learning difficulties

Employees receive training to help them return to work.

Phil Chun, who manages the company, said: "We develop people's self-esteem to help them back into open employment. We do work therapy, IT training and health and safety.

"We are a specialist company, not directly in competition with the big packaging companies. We deal with packages with odd sizes and shapes the stuff other companies can't deal with."

Ms Drown said: "Phoenix Mailing is an excellent combination of business with community spirit. It's a fantastic opportunity for people who would otherwise find it hard to get back to work. I wish it every success."

The company, whose main customers are the Science Research Council, Great Western Packaging and Swindon Chamber of Commerce, will be recruiting another person solely to deal with developing the skills of the volunteers.