A NEW Widnes job club has found work for almost 50 per cent of its members and helped many others embark on new careers.

The Foundry Church on Lugsdale Road only teamed up with the charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) four months ago.

The unemployed are not only given practical help to write CVs and improve their interview techniques but are encouraged to fulfil their potential.

“The club offers a more holistic approach which includes a free lunch and social time,” said CAP job club manager Samuel Ireton.

“This allows the opportunity to stop and think about what members have always wanted to do.

“The aim is to find the jobs that are best suited to each individual as this will not only give satisfaction in the long term but people will be more likely to sell themselves to a potential employer.”

Businesses offer placements to provide vital practical skills.

One man said: “The course has inspired me to go back to college and I’m 56!

“There was such a great atmosphere. I received such encouragement and was surprised by how much I learnt.

“The key thing is that the people running the course are doing it because they really want to help.”

One woman who had not worked for 30 years said: “The job market had changed so much during that time.

“What really impressed me was the way I was encouraged to take a comprehensive look at my own skill set and apply them to jobs outside of my own perceptions.

“My outlook was broadened to include employment I would not have ordinarily considered.”

A shy woman added: “I wouldn’t speak to anyone before I came on this course but now I feel so much more confident and I’ve only been here two weeks.”

Another man said: “It has given me such a positive outlook on life and really improved my self-worth.”

The next course starts on Thursday, September 22 from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

For more information or to book call 0800 328 0006.