Huddersfield mental health worker retires after 28 years in the NHS

A Huddersfield mental health worker has retired after 28 years of supporting people with mental health problems in the area.

During his career, 65-year-old John Hamer has worked at the now closed Storthes Hall Hospital. He has also worked as manager at Vocational Enterprises, Huddersfield – a vocational rehabilitation service that helps people with mental health problems to develop work-based skills.

John’s colleagues at the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust, along with people who attend the service, said their goodbyes to John at a retirement party.

John said, "The part of the job I’ve enjoyed the most was the setting up of Vocational Enterprises and seeing it become a centre of excellence in the 90s. During my retirement I will be working in my garden, doing woodwork and travelling."

Ursula Huxley, one of John’s colleagues said, "John has always been committed and dedicated to helping people with mental health problems to lead full lives. We’ll miss his unique sense of humour we wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement."