The new ‘Outreach’ centre at Newlyn could make an important contribution to “confidence building as well as skills training” commented Andrew George MP when he visited the former Bowjey Stores on the harbour front.
“I am keen to see these projects succeed. It is very important work in an area where there are problems of long-term unemployment; seasonal work and low pay” .
The Lib. Dem. MP was welcomed and shown around by the development and learning manager, Jenny Tarbit, with the Penwith Housing Association (PHA) chairman, Gail Hunt, and Chief Executive, Andy Moore.
Mr George spoke of the problems in local areas where there were no large employers and where there was a lack of job stability. This situation presented a real challenge for an area with high seasonal employment. “I do hope more local people will get to hear about this Outreach post and take advantage of what is an excellent service. There is a real need for this – and people can get a helping hand into training and the wider job market” he added.
He saw a local trainee receiving on-the-spot advice. Jenny said they aimed to get unemployed “on the ladder to jobs or training”. The work had continued during the past two months with short two hour courses. IT instruction would be introduced on Wednesday afternoons.
There were five employment advisors in the area offering training and job advice. It is being organised by the Penwith Community Development Trust (PCDT), based at Penzance, with some funding through Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities. “We are building up steadily with the local community” she remarked with optimism.
PHA owned the former Bowjey stores shop and agreed to its use by PCDT. Andy Moore, PHA’s Chief Executive said “We are very pleased to be working with PCDT to provide this outreach centre. The shop closed some time ago and despite being on the market remained empty. We responded positively to the approach from PCDT because they are assisting people in the area, including PHA residents, to build their confidence to take up training or employment. By working together in initiatives like this we can help Cornwall’s prospects of beating the recession.
