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The new Opportunities Hub at the Balsam Centre offers free support to find work

Friday 18 March 2022, 17:50
By South Somerset District Council

Opening of the Opportunities Hub in Wincanton's Balsam Centre. Pictured, left to right: Stephanie Nankervis, Councillor Henry Hobhouse, Karen Chalke, Martin Clayton, Sue Place, Councillor John Clark

South Somerset District Council has opened three dedicated employment and skills hubs that offer free tailored support to all South Somerset residents aged 16+. Known as ‘Opportunities Hubs’ they are based in Chard and Yeovil Libraries and Wincanton’s Balsam Centre.

The coordination, delivery, and continued development of the new Opportunities Hubs is being provided by Abri, one of the south of England’s largest housing providers. Abri’s employment service is sharing its expertise to develop staff, volunteers, tools and systems at the hubs to provide a creative, flexible and resilient employment support service.

Where are the new Opportunities Hubs and when are they open?

  • Chard Library, Holyrood St, Chard, TA20 2YA
  • Balsam Centre, Balsam Park, Wincanton, BA9 9HB
  • Yeovil Library, King George Street, Yeovil, BA20 1PY

Check out the Opportunities Hub website for opening hours.

Who can use the new Opportunities Hubs?

The hubs are open to ALL South Somerset residents 16+. This includes:

  • People who are currently unemployed and looking for work
  • People who are looking to upskill or retrain
  • People who want to change jobs

What do the new Opportunities Hubs offer?

  • FREE qualified employment advice to discuss your options
  • Work on your CV and help to apply for local jobs
  • Meet local businesses who are hiring
  • Receive mentoring support
  • Develop an action plan to get you into work

Find out more

For more information or to make an appointment with an advisor, pop into one of the Opportunities Hubs or visit the new website: opportunitieshubsouthsomerset.com. The brand new website also promotes and exhibits opportunities to advance your career, whether you are looking for a new job, training opportunities or want to improve your existing skills.

“The opening of the hubs reflects the importance that your District Council places on skills and employment. It is vital that we upskill to increase wages for our community and productivity for our businesses, and the hubs provide an important step.”

 - Councillor John Clark, SSDC Portfolio Holder for Economic Development including Commercial Strategy

Pictured, left to right

  • Stephanie Nankervis – Employment Support Worker – Balsam Centre
  • Councillor Henry Hobhouse – Cary Ward
  • Karen Chalke – SSDC Specialist – Economic Development
  • Martin Clayton – Abri Hub Co-ordinator across Yeovil, Chard and Wincanton
  • Sue Place – Chief Executive Officer – Balsam Centre
  • Councillor John Clark, SSDC Portfolio Holder for Economic Development including Commercial Strategy



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