A NEW job club offering support and practical skills to people looking for new jobs has officially launched.

A group of volunteers from the Salisbury City Church decided to start the group as one of their members was involved with GB Job Clubs, which involved setting up job clubs around the country, and have been trialling the idea since November.

Jen Carter, one of the leaders of the job club, said: “A number of us felt it was the right thing to do and people are really valuing it.”

The group applied for a grant from The Cinnamon Network, which helped pay for a laptop and to cover the cost of teas and coffees, and the club was officially launched by MP John Glen on Monday.

It meets fortnightly on Mondays from 10am at the Cathedral Hotel and is completely free. Members can share news about their job search, before a session led by one of the group leaders about things like networking and how to write CVs, with the opportunity for one-to-one help at the end, such as going through their CV or practice interviews.

“Most people haven’t got something like that so it’s a good opportunity for them to get help and support,” said Jen.

“Unemployment can be particularly isolating somewhere like Salisbury because although there are about 900 unemployed people you’re unlikely to know many other people in that position. This club lets people know they’re not on their own.”

Anyone looking for a job or who wants help to get the skills they need for a new job is welcome to go along to the job club. For more information go to salisburycityjobclub.co.uk.