VOLUNTEERS and church leaders have launched a new job club aimed at helping jobseekers in and around Poole and Bournemouth.

The Gateway Church job club, based in Parkstone, is a course offering a chance to gain practical skills to help residents find employment, meet new people and enjoy a free lunch together.

Participants can expect to learn skills in the areas of CV writing, language and social skills, letter and email writing, successful interview techniques and job search techniques.

The seven-week course began on Wednesday (OCT 5) at the recently renovated building at Ashley Road.

During the first session jobseekers learned how to identify what an employer looks when they post a new job opportunity.

This coming week the course will look at how jobseekers should include their best qualities in an application.

John Parker, an attendee from Alder Hills, said after the initial session: “I was made to feel very welcome and the advice they gave was excellent. Not only was it informative, it was also really fun and interactive.

"I especially loved the way Rich and Paul demonstrated the 'dos and don'ts' during a mock interview.”

The Gateway job club team has experience in a range of industries from telecommunications and banking to health care and the charitable sector. Although the team is made up of volunteers, they have all received extensive training to deliver the course and are eager to help as many people back to work as possible.

Richard Stamp, community coordinator at Gateway, said the church is committed to empowering people to lead healthy and fulfilling lifestyles.

He said: “The desire to work is in our DNA, providing dignity and purpose to our daily lives. It is imperative that we work together as a community to reach our highest potential.”

Another course is set to be held in January.

For more information contact Paul Bromley at info@gatewaychurch.me or by searching for the the Facebook page GatewayJobClub.