New work and skills hub comes to Heywood

A new work and skills hub has opened in Heywood today (15 November).

The new face-to-face service is the latest offer in Rochdale borough’s growing work and skills provision, which aims to ensure that nobody is left behind, regardless of their circumstances.

The provision, which is free to access, will be based in Heywood library four days a week and aims to support people with things like:

• getting into work
• retraining and changing career
• accessing digital support and free use of laptops and tablets
• the use of free clothes for interviews and work experience
• advice for SMEs
• help with live jobs searches and linking up with local employers
• information about local volunteering opportunities

The service, being delivered by Rochdale Borough Council with partners, including Rochdale Training and Hopwood Hall College, will also support people with range of other issues, such as debt and benefits advice, health and wellbeing support and help to access good quality housing.

The hub is designed to bring together a range of expertise and support from different agencies under one roof, and is aimed at helping people in an informal and relaxed environment.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This fantastic new resource is for anybody who wants advice and support which will help them to fulfil their potential. Some people will need a quick chat, while others will need intensive help before they’re even ready to even think about getting into work and training.

"By bringing different experts together in one place, we can ensure people get what they need without being passed between different agencies. Everyone who comes in will be given help which is tailored specifically to their needs and everything the team are told will be treated in confidence.

“Since the start of this calendar year, our work and skills team, have supported almost 1,100 residents. There’s a huge demand for the help they offer, which has understandably increased during the pandemic. I’m really proud that our officers have been able to help so many people and this brilliant new resource will enable them to reach even more in the months and years to come.”

The new opening follows the creation of a similar hub on the Strand in Kirkholt, which has supported 50 people since it opened in September.

The Heywood work and skills hub will be open every Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4pm, in Heywood Library, Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw M C Way.

People can simply drop in or make an appointment in advance if they prefer.

Residents can get in touch with the council’s work and skills team in the following ways.

• Email: jobsandskills@rochdale.gov.uk
• Send a message through the Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/GetRochdaleWorking
• Call: 01706 926657 (during office hours)