A community hub has launched a new initiative to tackle unemployment.
The Ledbury Community Hub announced the start of the Ledbury Empowerment Pathway.
This initiative is aimed at helping residents in Herefordshire who are struggling to find employment.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the programme aims to overcome barriers like social isolation and mental health challenges.
Participants will benefit from practical training sessions in land skills, kitchen and catering skills, and digital skills.
The programme also provides employment and self-employment support.
The land skills training will take place in Dog Hill Woods where participants will learn skills in forestry, gardening, traditional crafts, and construction.
This training will not only benefit the participants but also improve the local green spaces.
The kitchen and catering skills sessions will be held at the Ledbury Community Hub, providing vital experience for those interested in the food and hospitality sector.
Free hot meals will be provided on Sundays, and oven-ready frozen meals will be available for collection every Thursday evening at 8.15pm benefiting people in Ledbury who need them.
The digital skills course will ensure participants are fully equipped with the technology needed for modern life and job hunting.
There will be training in essential tech, site building, and the use of AI tools for research and content creation.
The employment and self-employment support will provide one-on-one job coaching, CV and interview preparation, and guidance for starting their own venture.
Travel and subsistence allowances will be provided to tackle the issue of rural transport.
Nic Sims, director of the Ledbury Community Hub, said: “The Ledbury Empowerment Pathway is about seeing the person, not just the problem.
“We know that for many residents, the biggest challenge isn’t a lack of ability, but a lack of connection and confidence.
“By starting with hands-on, community-based skills in areas like land skills and cooking, we’re creating a safe space where people can build real self-belief before they even think about job interviews.”
Residents aged 25 and over who are currently out of work are encouraged to sign up.
For more information or to register, visit the Ledbury Community Hub website.
