New project just the job for Castle Point

Jobseekers on Canvey Island can get a helping hand to find work after The Salvation Army joined forces with Castle Point Borough Council on a new project.

The church and charity’s Employment Plus Service helps people who face barriers to employment and the joint initative with the local authority is designed to support local residents aged between 18 and 64 who are neither employed nor recently been seeking work.

The scheme is funded by Castle Point Borough Council’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Julie Bakonyvari leads Employment Services for The Salvation Army in the East of England and said she was sure it would make a difference.

She said: “Preparing for the world of work or returning after a period of absence can be daunting but that is why we’re here – we’re open to local residents and passionate about helping people. We are also grateful for the support from Castle Point Borough Council who are helping us make new contacts in the area.

“If you are thinking of returning to the workplace once your children have started school, or maybe you have retired early and have time on your hands, this could be for you – do you have skills which you can pass onto others by way of a volunteering role, or need to top up your income? If this is you, then please give us a call.”

Councillor Barry Palmer, Portfolio holder for for Economic Growth & Climate Action at Castle Point Borough Council said: “We are very pleased to be supporting the Salvation Army in helping residents looking to return to the workplace.”

“The charity provides a range of important services in the Borough and we look forward to exploring this partnership”.

Weekly drop-ins take place on a Monday morning from 10am to 1pm at The Salvation Army, Mitchells Avenue, Canvey Island, SS8 BJB. Sessions are also being held on Stuff on the Bus, a mobile community supermarket, which is at First Avenue, Canvey Island from 10am to 12pm on Tuesdays and The Paddocks Community Centre car park, Long Road, Canvey Island from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesdays.

Sessions are also being held on Fridays. The bus is at St Nicholas Church, 208 Long Road, from 10am to 11am, Smallgains Hall on Creek Road from 11 to 12 and Canvey Football Club from 2pm to 3pm.

If you are interested, you can call Salvation Army Employability Practitioners Sam Diss on 07831 138881 or Ann Reddings on 07850 310380 for an appointment