Co–op donates vital resources to Willowfield’s CAP Job Club
Staff at the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Job Club based in Willowfield Parish Church were delighted to receive a donation from Co–op Funeral Care that’s set to be of real benefit to local job seekers.
“Being unemployed is really tough and trying to find a job can prove difficult,” explained job club manager Emma Jackson. “CAP Job Clubs provide a unique personal service, which gives people both practical and emotional support. And we work really hard to help members find work, supporting them in whatever way we can. And that’s why this donation from the Co–op is so fantastic. Looking for a job requires a range of skills and resources and now as well as improving people’s skills, we can support them with free stationery, envelopes and other resources, which can be really costly if you are applying for lots of jobs.”
Willowfield is one of four churches of different Christian traditions across Belfast running a CAP Job Club, as they work together to positively impact the communities around them in East Belfast, Finaghy, Cavehill and the Shankill. The job clubs meet weekly to offer a range of services to members and a supportive community where they feel welcomed and valued.
“When we heard about the work of our local CAP Job Club, we really wanted to be part of the great work they are doing to support local job seekers,” Liz Doherty from Co–op Funeral Care Knockbreda told us. “The support they are providing people with really does work and people are getting back to work which is fantastic – not just for them, but their families and their local communities.”
CAP 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.
Emma went on to tell us, “We have particular experience in working with people who face additional challenges to finding work like mental ill health or literacy difficulties; people who are not sure where to even begin with looking for a job. We help to build people’s confidence, find out what their skills and talents are and help them to be able to communicate these to prospective employers. Like Annie, who has recently started working for a local charity after completing our Steps to Employment course.”
Willowfield CAP Job Club meets every Friday at 9.30 am in 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 telephone 0800 328 0006.
Pictured above, L–R: Liz Doherty (Co–op Funeral Care), Emma Jackson (Job Club Manager) and Sharon Orr (Co–op Funeral Care).