Spark, Blackburn with Darwen’s addiction recovery service, have launched a new weekly ‘jobs club’ to help more people gain the skills they need for worthwhile employment.
Held at St John’s Court in Blackburn town centre, the weekly drop-in sessions provide career guidance and opportunities for local people in active treatment with Spark.
Using new table-top tablets to provide better access to the internet and online employment services, the team support clients with enhanced job searches, CV and cover letter tips, basic IT skills and email set-up support.
Laura Heaven, IPS Employment Specialist, said: “Recruitment is no longer dropping off CVs and word of mouth. It’s online. More than half of clients we see don’t have basic computer skills or generic email addresses – many of them haven’t even heard of Indeed”.
She continued: “The new tablets allow us to help people. They’ve allowed us to give people the freedom to do autonomous work. Jobs Club is an opportunity to drop-in and explore opportunities within the area and challenge themselves – it’s empowering”.
“If they want, people can come in just to check their emails – many don’t have access from home.”
The team also support clients with ‘better-off calculations’, which show how much benefit people are eligible for and how much better off they might be in work.
Spark IPS have a network of employers across the borough providing regular support and job opportunities for clients, including Euro Garages, Blackburn College and Blackburn BID.
Spark IPS and Jobs Club success
37-year-old Amy has just enjoyed her first full week of work ‘in a very long time’.
Now deemed a ‘shining star’ by Laura, Amy is enjoying her new role and is a great example of how Spark IPS support can lead to worthwhile employment opportunities.
Laura explained: “She’s been working with IPS for four months and in that time, we helped her to create a CV, get her right for work docs sorted and built her courage for interviews – she’s done great, she shows that the support we offer can really make a difference”.
Amy has been in treatment with Spark for several years due to being ‘stuck in the chaos’.
Anne James, Senior IPS Recruitment Specialist, added: “I have been waking up early for the last week to call Amy at 5am to ensure she is up for work at 6am… but she’s now calling me! She is on her way as we speak to buy a new alarm clock, bless her”.
Anne continued: “We have given Amy wraparound support which she said she needed. I have had some really good support from her keyworker Rob and other staff members within Spark and IPS”.
Who is Spark IPS?
Spark IPS (Individual Placement and Support) provide a wide range of employment support services to help people re-discover your confidence and motivation when it comes to the world of work.
For more information, please contact bwdips@calico.org.uk or find out when the next Jobs Club is here > https://sparkbwd.org.uk/events/