One-stop Shop Gives Advice On Training, Getting Work And Volunteering

Published on: 17 Oct, 2013
Updated on: 17 Oct, 2013

Groups and organisations who took part in a one-stop information shop hosted by Guildford Grove School, say it was a great success.

Community safety warden Tracy James (red sweatshirt) helped man the Joining In! stand. Anne Woodward is pictured second from left.

Lots of people dropped into the lunchtime event that ran at the school in Park Barn. There they could find out about all kinds of opportunities for training, getting a job and volunteering.

Groups set up their tables and stands outside in front of the school on Wednesday last week.The event ran from noon to 2pm, and therefore it was perfect timing for parents and carers who were collecting and dropping off their children from the school and adjacent Spinney children’s centre.

Some parents and children take a look at Family Learning group’s table of information.

One of the organisers of the event, Anne Woodward of the Spinney, said: “It was great to see parents talking to the various groups and getting lots of advice and ideas on things they can do. It’s fantastic to see this going on in the community here.

Joining In!, that promotes community involvement in Westborough and Park Barn, had a stand and was busy with people inquiring about volunteering opportunities.

Its project co-ordinator, David Rose (also of The Guildford Dragon NEWS), said: “One person we spoke to is interested in working as a teaching assistant, but wants to do some voluntary work in schools beforehand. We were able to give her some useful advice and suggested she also pays a visit to our Guildford volunteer centre (Voluntary Action South West Surrey) in Castle Street, where a wealth of information is available from the friendly staff there.

“And we can report that she has indeed made that visit and is well on the way to her first spot of volunteering that will hopefully lead her on to a new career path.”

Those who took part at the event included Guildford College, local community safety wardens, ALPS Partnership, Guildford YMCA, Voluntary Action South West Surrey, Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership, JACE Training, CAP, Widening Participation University, Family Learning, PTS Solutions and Joining In!

Community champion from the nearby Tesco store, Sue Keeley, brought along free refreshments.