Whitland businesses and the local Memorial Hall committee are hoping to establish a Job Club which would offer a place where local businesses and local people could exchange one-off or part-time work opportunities.
The organisation is working with Carmarthenshire County Council regeneration officers to gain financial support for the scheme which it hopes would provide a boost for the local economy.
They are holding a taster session at Whitland Memorial Hall on Tuesday, December 8, to explain the scheme and gather local support.
Regeneration officers and Workways Employment Support will be at the event to give advice and gather feedback from locals about the proposed Job Club.
Group member Gabriela Poore said: “The Whitland Job Club is an informal, local initiative set up to help the community and local businesses. We would like local people to be able to pick up part-time or one-off jobs, earn some extra money or for businesses to get support. It’s all about working together.”
The taster meeting will be held at Whitland Memorial Hall on Tuesday, December 8, from 2pm-4pm.
Feedback from the taster session will be used as part of an application for funding for the scheme under the Welsh Assembly’s Rural Development Plan (RDP).
RDP helps rural communities by funding projects which help people to access services and develop distinctive identities.
If successful in its bid for funding, the Whitland group would receive financial assistance under Axis 3 of the Plan, which aims to improve access to services.
Axis 3 concentrates on key areas including economic growth, collaborative working and environmental sustainability.
A wide range of non-statutory activities can be supported, from childcare to transport, community retail services to community learning facilities.
Cllr Clive Scourfield, Carmarthenshire’s executive board member for regeneration, said: “It is encouraging to see a community coming up with innovative ideas to provide employment opportunities for local people. This Job Club would provide a win-win situation by offering local employment opportunities and helping out local businesses. I wish them all the best.”
For further details about the Whitland event, please contact Gabriela Poore on 01994 448701 or email [email protected].
For further information on the RDP and advice about further funding opportunities, call the Community Bureau on 01269 590216.
The Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
