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People looking for a new job are being urged to join a church’s new ‘job club’ service to boost their chances of employment.

Volunteers from Gateway Church, which is based at Cwrt Rawlin Primary School, Caerphilly, have undergone specialist training with charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to launch the job club – an eight-week course giving help and advice.

Each attendee will be given one-to-one coaching to develop and identify other opportunities, such as volunteering or additional training.

Sophie Davies, Gateway’s CAP Job Club Manager, said: “We know that the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on a lot of people’s employment. Sadly, many haven’t been able to return to their previous role following furlough and have been made redundant. For some, if they have kept their job, their hours have been cut.

“We really wanted to make a practical contribution to the community and we thought running a job club was a great way to make a real difference. Whether you’ve just lost a job, been out of work for a while or maybe just want to change jobs but aren’t sure how to start – this course is for you.”

Sophie added: “Our job club is a warm, friendly and relaxed environment. Let us help you take your first steps into employment and a job you’ll enjoy.”

On offer is help in CV writing, interview technique and an understanding of how volunteering can help job prospects.

At its heart, organisers say, is a supportive peer-to-peer group where course members can share their experiences, struggles and advice.

Caerphilly’s Senedd Member Hefin David has backed the church’s job club.

He said: “This is another brilliant example of the community-led support offered by Gateway Church.

“I’m thrilled to see them coming together with CAP to guide those in need of employment support; which we all know is a significant issue for many – particularly as we emerge from the pandemic. I look forward to seeing how the course progresses and will continue to support the initiative in any way I can.”

The job club is for everyone of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities and will take place between 10.30am and12pm on Thursday, March 3, in Connect Life Church, Crescent Road, Caerphilly, CF83 1AB.

If you would like more information, or know of anyone who is interested in joining, please email Sophie via sophiedavies@capjobclubs.org or call 07729645057.