The Salvation Army is has hosted a series of drop-in events across Wales this week, offering jobseekers the chance to speak to employability experts and take steps towards finding meaningful work.
An Employability Day event took place at The Salvation Army in Carmarthen on Tuesday 23 June, followed by a second event in Connah’s Quay on Wednesday 24 June.
It comes as the church and charity warns that finding work is becoming harder than ever for many people.
At the events, jobseekers were able to access employment advice, training and volunteering opportunities and view live job vacancies.
Abi Gardner, Assistant Regional Manager of Employment Plus in Wales for The Salvation Army, said:
“The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus services are increasingly concerned about fewer entry-level opportunities and longer job queues. This means many people who struggle the most in the labour market, and who are not ‘job ready’, are being left behind.
“People often come to us because there is no other support available to them. Some need help with a range of challenges before they are ready to apply for a job.
“These events are an opportunity for jobseekers, particularly those who have been out of the labour market for some time, to drop in and find out how we can support them on a journey to meaningful employment.”
Across the UK, Employment Plus is delivered from 327 Salvation Army churches, centres and hostels for people experiencing homelessness. The service also operates in 230 additional locations, including Jobcentre Plus sites, community partner venues and 13 prisons.
Rhonwen Hughes, Employability Practitioner in Connah’s Quay, added:
“For our team, Employability Day is all about seeing the people we support grow in confidence and feel part of a supportive community. That is incredibly important and rewarding.”
In Cardiff, The Salvation Army’s Employment Practitioner, Paul Laybourn, marked Employability Day last week by organising a wellbeing walk for neurodiverse clients experiencing social isolation. He led the group through Bute Park along the River Taff.
During the walk, one participant, Michael Littlejohn, shared his lifelong ambition to see a kingfisher. Paul took the group to a spot where the birds are often seen, and after a short wait, two appeared, leaving Michael overwhelmed with emotion.
He Said: “I never thought I would ever see a kingfisher. Seeing two today makes this one of the best days I have ever had. I can’t wait to go back and tell my Jobcentre work coach about what Paul did for me today.”
The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service offers tailored support to help people become job ready. To find your nearest Employment Plus Service visit the website www.salvationarmy.org.uk/employment-plus
