MAKING the search for employment ‘a less lonely experience’ is the inspiration behind a new scheme being launched in Nailsea.

Job Club is the brainchild of Nailsea Baptist Church member Paul Matthews who was made redundant eight years ago and spent six months on the hunt for work.

As well as the usual help with CVs, interview techniques, job searching, budgeting and identifying skills and training gaps, people will have the chance to meet others in the same situation.

Paul said: “We have a number of people in the church who work in recruitment, HR or who have been through redundancy.

“There is a core of six people who will be helping regularly but more will be assisting on an occasional basis.

“We want to share our experiences and the idea is to develop a support network for jobseekers within the club so that people share their highs and lows and what has worked for them, to make the job search a less lonely experience.”

Paul hopes this is what will set the club apart from traditional government-run job centres, the nearest of which is in Clevedon.

He added: “The job centres do a great job but their resource is spread very thinly.

“Their focus is on people claiming job-seekers’ allowance but there are other people in the community who, while not signing on, may be looking for work to improve their family finances.”

Local firms are being encouraged to get involved by telling job seekers about working within their organisation and giving information about what they look for in prospective candidates.

The service is endorsed by North Somerset MP Liam Fox, who said: “This terrific project deserves the support of the whole community.

“At a difficult economic time it represents a full spectrum of help for those trying to get into work.

“I will be happy to give all those involved any help I can and wish them well in their very worthwhile efforts.”

Job Club is launching at the church’s community venue, The Centre, in Silver Street, on January 11, at 7pm, with advisors from Weston College on hand to recommend courses.

The club will run every Wednesday from 7-9pm.

For more details contact jobclub@nailseabaptist.com