In response to the recession and the fast growing unemployment numbers in South Northamptonshire I wanted to do something practical to help local people.
So on Tuesday August 17th, 2009 I launched the Towcester Job Club. It was a 'job fair' format to allow job seekers, people facing redundancy and/or those looking to re-train or start up a business, have open access to a number of agencies, businesses and organisations that could give the help they need.
The Club was officially opened by Spencer Canning, Director of Silverstone Circuit with Tim Boswell MP and Cllr.Rosemary Bromwich also attending. Towcester Business Club, Towcester Retailers Asociation and the South Northants Enterprise Board were all present along with Job Centre Plus and many local businesses, recruitment agencies and colleges.
It was great to see the amount of support given by local business people to try and help their local community. The Club is completely free of charge, and we usually have a good discussion going among the job seekers around the coffee table where drinks, biscuits and opinions are in free flow....
In January 2010 the Job Club had to move to Towcester Town Hall and change to a Tuesday (11.30 - 1.30pm) as we had outgrown the Chantry House and needed more room for the various agencies and businesses that come along to help.
South Northants Council have now taken over the administration and day to day running of the Job Club in order to improve its facilities still further, including providing free internet and printing facilities.
The Job Club has helped many people back into work, from all different backgrounds and age groups. Employment isn't just about having a job, it is about social status, self esteem and confidence, and sadly unemployment in this recession has hit all age groups and types of work from senior professionals to manual workers.
I launched a second Job Club in Brackley Town Hall on Thursday March 25th. Nick Fry, CEO of Mercedes GP, has kindly agreed to say a few words.
Please come along to Towcester or Brackley!
