PETERSFIELD residents will be helped to find a job or learn new skills thanks to free and discounted courses at the town’s library in The Square.
The courses at the Hampshire County Council library will include CV writing, interview skills, money management and confidence building.
They are aimed at adults aged 19 or over receiving employment benefits, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and are free of charge to eligible learners.
Councillor Andrew Gibson, Executive Member for Culture, Recreation and Countryside, said: “Local libraries are at the heart of any community and are excellent venues for learning.
“These include courses which will make a difference to targeted groups, such as those seeking work, those who may have a disability or learning difficulty and who need that extra support to thrive in education, training and employment.
“There are also a great variety of leisure courses for residents to try new activities such as learning a new language or joining a friendship group to help reduce social isolation.”
The courses at Petersfield are part of a wider program, launched after the council library service was awarded more than £300,000 by Hampshire Futures to support 3,500 adults across the county, as part of a wider £1.35 million programme.
This will include courses for targeted groups to improve their English, maths, digital and employability skills. A number of leisure courses are also on offer for people to gain new skills and interests.
The courses will meet local needs and change during the year to meet demand, and also reinforce the Library Service’s five strategic aims to support and encourage reading and literacy, improve digital services and inclusion, contribute to the health and wellbeing of local communities, provide access to trusted sources of information and facilitate and provide learning.
Details on individual courses can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/library/servicesforyou/learninginlibraries or inquire at Petersfield Library in The Square