A VITAL frontline service helping people in Okehampton get back into work has been safeguarded for the next year — and will be held at new times to encourage as many users as possible.

The work club at the Ockment Centre has been preserved for the next 12 months thanks to funding from Okehampton United Charities. The club provides a vital weekly service for anyone who needs it to seek much needed support to help them get back to work, to get more hours or find new employment.

Jenny Hopkins from the Ockment Centre team said: ‘The Ockment Centre work club is delighted to have received funding from Okehampton United Charities to provide another year of support to anyone looking for work, whether on Job Seeker’s Allowance, or Universal Credits, or if you are looking for more hours or a change of employment.

‘At the work club you can use the computers for job searches and to make online applications, write letters to employers or create or update your CV. Help and support is on hand if you need assistance with anything. ‘

The work club has been running every Friday since 2011, when it was set up in the wake of the huge number of redundancies in the town after the closure of Polestar, Robert Wiseman Dairies, Kerry’s Ingredients and Browne’s Chocolates in just a matter of weeks.

The opening hours of the club will change for the coming year. It will be open as usual on Friday mornings from 10am to 1pm with co-ordinator Geoff Mills. These sessions are part of the centre’s Friday Hub, a drop-in session from 10am to 1pm where people can get information or support for a wide range of issues.

There are representatives from Citizen’s Advice for general advice over any issue, Sanctuary Housing which helps people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home, Rethink Mental Illness who will support people and families who are experiencing mental health difficulties, RISE Recovery Drug and Alcohol Service which will support people recovering from addictions and their families.

There is also a monthly visit by Debbie from the Royal British Legion, who can support anyone who has a past or present link with the military services. The centre has a link with Learn Devon if anyone is interested in finding out about courses or training for adults.

The new work club session will run on Wednesday mornings with co-ordinator Jane Hawking from 9.30am to 12.30pm. The sessions will work in the same way as the Friday sessions — visitors can use the computers to job search independently or get help and support if needed with job applications and CVs. The team will be organising some themed days throughout the year on Wednesday mornings so look out for more information.

On Wednesdays the centre will also have Citizen’s Advice and Rethink SAMS support group sessions, as well as the Hidden Gems Project, which is running short courses for people who have barriers to employment through a training programme learning to make jewellery out of recycled metals.

For more information on the work club visit www.ockmentcentre.org or call the centre on 01837 53276.