Hat trick of success as local ladies find work
Today three more East Belfast ladies are celebrating success in securing employment via their local Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Job Club.
Deborah Clarke, Susie Gilkinson and Barbara Allen joined the Job Club at Willowfield Parish Church in real need of support in the difficult task of job hunting.
After ten years of unemployment, Deborah, had nearly given up hope of finding a job. “It was really tough. I didn’t know where to begin with application forms or my CV and didn’t think any employers would be willing to give me a chance,” she said. “But the Job Club changed all that.”
Thanks to the practical advice, support and encouragement from her local CAP Job Cub, Deborah is now enjoying being back in employment, working as Domestic Assistant for Clanmill Housing Association.
CAP Job Club Manager, Emma Jackson, said: “When it comes to job hunting, having the right tools and techniques up your sleeve can really improve your chances in finding work.
“We provide a unique personal service, which gives people both practical and emotional support. And we work really hard to help members find work.”
CAP Job Clubs works with individuals to meet their personal needs. Sessions cover practical topics such as identifying strengths, CV writing and interview techniques. Staff, who have all been trained, can provide assistance in filling out daunting application forms, volunteering and work experience opportunities and guidance on returning to education.
Suzie, who is now working as a Financial Administrator with Mindflood, said, “The support from the team at my CAP Job Club has been incredible, they were always on hand when I needed them and I know for sure that the interview preparation they did with me really helped me to get this job”.
Willowfield is one of more than 130 churches of different Christian traditions across the UK regularly running CAP Job Clubs, as they work together to positively impact the communities around them.
In particular, the Job Club provides an opportunity for support and community, where members can meet in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, get to know each other and not feel so isolated in their unemployment.
“Meeting with others who were in similar circumstances was such an encouragement, you didn’t feel so alone and the only one going through this,” said Barbara, who found employment with as a Care Assistant with Dunlady Care Home said.
“We have a great laugh and buns, there’s always coffee and a bun,” she added.
This Job Club in particular has been really successful over the last few months; the club manager Emma told us “We are so thrilled to see these ladies back in work. But these are just three of many members over the last couple of months who have found work via our support. The help we provide really does work and we want to reach out to as many people in our local community as possible who need support getting back into the workplace’.
Job Club starts up again on Friday 24 August at 1.00pm at Willowfield Parish Church, My Lady’s Road Belfast.
To find out more about CAP Job Clubs, or to book your place visit www.capjobclubs.org or call Freephone 0800 328 0006.