PEOPLE in Chard without a job are being offered free support to find work at a new employment and skills hub.

An 'Opportunities Hub' has opened in the town's library, in Holyrood Street, along with similar sites in Wincanton's Balsam Centre and Yeovil Library.

Anyone in South Somerset over 16 who is unemployed and looking for work, hoping to change their job or wanting to upskill or retrain can use the service.

The district council initiative is being delivered by housing provider Abri, one of the south of England’s largest housing providers.

Abri’s employment service is sharing its expertise to develop staff, volunteers, tools and systems at the hubs to provide a creative, flexible and resilient employment support and service.

The Opportunities Hubs offer:

  • free qualified employment advice to discuss your options;
  • work on your CV and help to apply for local jobs;
  • meet local businesses who are hiring;
  • receive mentoring support;
  • develop an action plan to get you into work.

For more information or to make an appointment with an advisor pop, into one of the Opportunities Hubs or visit www.opportunitieshubsouthsomerset.com/ which also promotes and exhibits opportunities.

Cllr John Clark, SSDC portfolio holder for economic development, said: “The opening of the hubs reflects the importance that your district council places on skills and employment.

"It is vital we upskill to increase wages for our community and productivity for our businesses, and the hubs provide an important step.”

Debra Scarratt, Abri head of employment and education, said: “Securing training opportunities or sustained employment is more than just skills and experience.

"We want to create a community, working with our partners and other agencies, to not only offer support but also bring residents together.

"That is why we will also have learning opportunities and training to help people develop financial independence and encourage good health and wellbeing."

Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “We are delighted to host the employment hubs in two of our libraries, which always provide supportive and safe spaces for anyone to access.

"The hubs complement our popular iPad loaning scheme for jobseekers, as well as free Wi-Fi, bookable library computers and our excellent range of books to support people looking for employment or setting up a new business."