Employment, skills and volunteering
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It's a truth universally acknowledged that staying active and engaged is key to a fulfilling and healthy life, especially as we embrace our golden years. Whether through paid work, enriching training, or selfless volunteering, participating in activities that resonate with us profoundly boosts both our physical and mental wellbeing. The good news is, Plymouth is brimming with opportunities just waiting to be discovered.
Employment support: Charting your course to career success
Are you looking to reignite your career, navigate redundancy, or embark on an exciting new professional path? Plymouth offers a wealth of resources to support you every step of the way:
- Skills Launchpad Plymouth: Supporting individuals over 25 with tailored support, insightful advice, and invaluable training. Benefit from one-on-one guidance, access free online resources, and discover specialised support specifically designed for those aged 50 and over.
- Job Centre: Your central hub for comprehensive job search assistance, including help with applications, interview skills, and understanding available benefits.
- Seetec Pluss: Transforming lives through work and well-being programmes, helping individuals overcome barriers and progress in their careers.
- Pluss: Providing specialist employment support for individuals who need extra assistance in finding meaningful work and achieving their career aspirations, with a particular focus on people with disabilities.
Training and development: Expanding your horizons
Investing in yourself through learning and development is a powerful way to stay sharp, discover new passions, and enhance your skillset. Consider these enriching opportunities:
- On Course South West: Explore a diverse range of learning and development opportunities for adults, with courses conveniently located throughout Plymouth.
- Shekinah: Providing hope and opportunity for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering a range of well-being and personal development courses designed to support and uplift.
- City College Plymouth: From courses designed to boost your job prospects to evening classes perfect for starting a new hobby, City College Plymouth offers something for everyone.
Learning for life: Cultivate your mind
Lifelong learning is a gateway to new experiences, stimulating conversations, and a richer understanding of the world. Dive into these captivating learning environments:
- Shekinah: The Learning Exchange: A welcoming and inclusive adult learning programme, open to anyone over 18. No prior qualifications are needed! Explore a fascinating array of subjects, from history and economics to languages and crafts.
- WEA (Workers' Educational Association): Expand your horizons with a range of adult education courses in Plymouth, spanning everything from culinary arts to creative writing and permaculture.
- U3A (University of the Third Age): Connect with like-minded individuals in locally run interest groups, offering opportunities for those no longer working to come together, learn, and enjoy the camaraderie.
Volunteering: Make a difference
Giving back to your community is a profoundly rewarding experience. Plymouth offers a multitude of ways to share your time and talents, making a positive impact on the lives of others.
- Plymouth City Council: Explore diverse volunteering opportunities, from becoming a climate ambassador to supporting digital inclusion as a Community Digital Volunteer or providing companionship as a Good Neighbour Support Volunteer.
- Age UK: Join a passionate team dedicated to supporting older adults in Plymouth. Volunteer as a telephone friend, work in their shops, or assist with the Connect and Support Service, fostering connections and combating loneliness.
- Improving Lives Plymouth: Make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and long-term conditions. They are always looking for new volunteers to join their team.
- Eldertree Befriending: Provide valuable companionship to older people in Plymouth. They are actively seeking new volunteers.
- Livewell Southwest: Offering specialist community health and care services in Plymouth, Livewell Southwest provides a wide range of flexible volunteering opportunities to suit your interests and availability.
Continue reading
- Aging Well in Plymouth
- Help and advice
- Places and spaces
- Thriving in Plymouth
- Travel
- Employment, skills and volunteering
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