Ayr Salvation Army steps in to help jobseekers

Our community church in Ayr has come to the rescue of jobseekers and people without computer know-how.

Lieutenants Tim and Cheryl Stone are helping run PC courses, in partnership with the Jobcentre and Ayrshire College.

Tim said: “This is a charitable venture to help the community. It is important for us to help ensure people avoid social exclusion and feeling lonely.

“We provide the laptops, which our fundraising enables us to do. We could not do this without support from the public. We do not charge the Jobcentre for using our computers or room.”

Jobcentre manager Anne Connor was delighted with the digital support, which will be vital for people claiming universal credit.

The Salvation Army has advertised for a digital skills coach to teach people how to get to grips with benefits online.

The new recruit will be charged with providing a “fun and interactive service", helping unemployed people to gain basic digital skills they need to progress towards employment and to manage their online benefit accounts.