AN ambition to open a community job hub in Minehead is all set to be realised in the New Year.

The hub, called The Bridge, based in Hopcott Road, Alcombe, will be the third to open in West Somerset and aims to help people find work, improve key skills and confidence.

Two job hubs are up and running in Watchet and Williton, with support from West Somerset Council, and have achieved success in finding people work or helping them choose a career.

Cllr Karen Mills, lead member for regeneration and economic growth, said: "The hubs that are up and running are proving to be very successful, really changing people’s lives.

“The hard work of the volunteers, with support from West Somerset Council, has now meant that this project can be extended into Minehead, where it will help those people who need individual support. As always my grateful thanks go to all those volunteers who really make this happen.”

Manned by volunteer mentors, the hubs offer a range of support including:

* Help with searching and applying for work.

* Support with completing application forms and CVs.

* Tips on preparing for interviews.

* Access to the internet and IT facilities.

* A signposting service.

Volunteers are always needed at the hubs to help people with CV writing, paper-based job application forms and interview preparation.

All sessions run from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Anyone willing to volunteer every one to four weeks is asked to contact their local hub.

To volunteer for the Williton sessions on Tuesdays at The River, Williton’s Children’s Centre; contact Tracey Bland on 01984 635980.

Watchet sessions run every Thursday at The Sanctuary; contact Carl Smethurst 01984 248169.

Starting in the New Year, Minehead sessions will run on Fridays; contact John Dickinson on 01643 707598

Further information about the hubs is available from Colleen Blake, employment and skills officer at West Somerset Council, 07739 958 441.