A RUNCORN woman has landed a job after being unemployed for eight years.

Elise Simpson, aged 51, from the old town, signed up to Riverside’s work club in Halton Brook.

She is now a support worker at St Luke’s Care Home in Palacefields.

Riverside tenant Elise said: “I’ve had many interviews but really struggled with confidence at all of them.

“Now that I’ve learned some interview techniques, I feel much more confident and was delighted to be offered the job at St Lukes.

“The longer you are out of work the more your confidence dips.

“This is the boost I’ve needed for a fresh start in work.”

Elise receives continued support and joined residents, businesses and staff from Riverside, litter picking and clearing community allotments in Palacefields and Castlefields as part of a give and gain volunteering day on Friday.

Vanessa Shaw from the forum, said: “Lots of people get support in finding work but then they’re left to get on with it.

“We continue to support people in the first few months of a job.

“It’s a difficult transition and there’s a lot of adjusting, especially with sorting out benefits and making sure that people don’t suffer a gap in income as a result of starting work.

“That can often lead to people giving up their jobs and going back on benefits.”

The Halton work club forum helps residents get online, carry out job searches and get skilled in applications and interview techniques.

Riverside supports job clubs in Halton Brook, Halton Lea Library, Murdishaw and Castlefields.

Anyone interested can call Vanessa Shaw on 07813 438254.