This in from Julia, in her own words. Ed
Started last week and running until the end of July 2013, job seekers will be welcomed to Ventnor Library between 9am and 12pm on Thursday mornings.
The reason? To meet with local volunteers and professionals who have offered to share their time with people who are looking to develop their CVs, write letters and carry out job searches using the new job searching systems recently implemented by Job Centre Plus and will include access to IT and stationery.
A friendly experience without pressure
The project is local and people will work in small friendly groups or pairs to explore opportunities and share experiences.
“We are not looking to create a job club,” says Community Development Worker Julia Aratoon, “simply to provide time and support as necessary, there are no targets or outputs, just a friendly experience to support people as they make their way through the various options that may be open to them.”
Support from Job Centre Plus
Timebank volunteers are being supported by Job Centre Plus who will provide some guidance on useful websites and the benefit of their experience.
Ventnor Library has agreed to open the building to users of this scheme on a Thursday as it is the library that has identified a local need for such a project; again a response to the needs of the users.
Southern Works Programme
Working alongside the volunteers is Southern Housing Group’s Southern Works Programme Team, headed up by Dave Logan (539036) who will be providing employability training to Southern Housing Group and Spectrum residents in Ventnor.
The Timebank scheme will serve residents who are not living in Southern Housing Group properties; although anyone who is job seeking or looking to develop their CV should get in touch to identify the best support option.
A fantastic start
On the first session, the scheme attracted interest from a total of seven people who will be helped in different ways between the two programmes, which is a fantastic start.
The atmosphere at the library was relaxed and friendly and there is capacity to offer support to more people, including those who are employed but just want to update their CVs.
Take part
Anyone who wishes to get involved as a Timebank Volunteer or to use the service should contact Julia Aratoon on 01983 852753 or [email protected] or simply pop into Ventnor Library to leave their details.
Image: Jasleen Kaur under CC BY 2.0
