Citizens Advice and Epsom Hub
At Citizens Advice we’re here for people of all ages. We have fewer young clients than we would like. So we were delighted to invite Epsom Hub* coordinator Claudia Aristide to this week’s staff and volunteers meeting.
Based in Epsom’s Ashley Centre, the Hub* exists to help local 18-24s on universal credit build skills and confidence. It also works with employers and agencies to help match young people with work opportunities.
Any young person wondering about their next step can drop in for a chat. Most referrals in practice come from family members or Epsom Job Centre. You have an appointment, a detailed conversation and forward plan.
Widest range of backgrounds
Claudia explained that no one was excluded. Hub clients have the widest range of backgrounds, talents and needs. Hub staff have just as diverse a range of contacts and access.
Recently a top university graduate asked for help in preparing for interviews and subsequently got a research post at Cambridge. A young man wanted to work in construction but had no knowledge of the sector; following Hub links with FE colleges he was soon working for a Level 1 qualification.
Citizens Advice CEO Lisa Davis spoke about partnering with the Hub.
The team can refer clients to us on any issue that may be holding them back. Our new Outreach Adviser will be a close contact and we soon hope to have an adviser based regularly at the Hub. We also have volunteering opportunities offering great work experience and a boost to confidence.
* Epsom & Ewell Borough Council leads on the HUB project in partnership with Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership with funding from the Department of Work and Pensions. A steering group of partners, including NESCOT, Go Epsom and Coast to Capital LEP advises on the offer to young people.