Volunteers help to tackle unemployment in Somerset

Volunteers in Somerset are helping to tackle unemployment in the area by forming hubs that enable people to learn the skills they need to get back into work. The hubs, which are held in Minehead, Watchet and Williton, will help to provide “longer-term solutions” for locals.

The hubs are particularly ideal for people out of work who do not have access to a computer or transport.

Work experience

Watchet Baptist Church minister, Rev Carl Smethurst, said that volunteers of the project sit with unemployed locals and discuss their situation.

“We try and find out what sort of area of work they might be suitable for and what kind of work they would like to do, and help them make their CVs more attractive to employers. We help people gain work experience, this can help people get vital references,” he said.

He added that the job centre may not have time to offer this sort of help due to time constraints.

Councillor Karen Mills praised the scheme, stating that the hubs have so far been “very successful” and have helped to change people’s lives.

“As always my grateful thanks go to all those volunteers who really make this happen,” she said.

Hopes

The hubs currently take place once a week from 9:30am to 12.30pm on Tuesdays at The Sanctuary in Whatchet and Thursdays at The River children’s centre in Williton, and between 9:00am and 12.00pm on Fridays at The Bridge, Alcombe in Minehead.

Rev Smethurst stated that he hopes the hubs will eventually be held in other areas within the county, such as Dulverton and Stogursey.