Beat the January blues at Whitleigh
Whitleigh residents are invited to St Chads Church, Whitleigh Green this Saturday (1 February) where they can get involved in lots of fun activities at the Every Penny Counts event.
Back by popular demand the Plymouth City Council’s Neighbourhood Regeneration Team and Plymouth Community Homes are running the second Every Penny Counts following the success of the first event held last year.
Supported by the Whitleigh Partnership, residents will be able to talk to a range of support organisations from 11am to 2pm about money matters such as money management, budgeting, dealing with debt, spending wisely and saving. Organisations attending on the day include Advice Plymouth, Citizen’s Advice, Credit Unions, Benefit Advice and Working Links.
There will also be lots of fun things to see and do for all the family including face painting, Valentine’s Day crafts, having a manicure or taking a ride on the super inflatable infinity tower slide.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Co-operatives and Community Development said: “These events really pull communities together and provide a few hours where families can get involved in fun activities whilst at the same time get some advice about important issues they may be facing.
“In addition to this event we are also touring the city with these organisations and will be stopping at various neighbourhoods across the city. To find out where these sessions will be held check the Council’s website.”
The event will also mark the first birthday of Whitleigh’s very own Timebank and Work Club. The Timebank is run by local residents who help to improve the neighbourhood through creating supportive networks of volunteers.
The Whitleigh Work Club is run by Plymouth City Council’s Neighbourhood Regeneration Team, Plymouth Community Homes and the Salvation Army. It has seen around 65 residents come through the door to seek support to job search, get used to Universal Job Match, to access a PC or just speak to a friendly face about getting back to work. At least 18 local residents who have attended the Club are now in employment, with a further five in training or voluntary work.
Residents who have gained support through the Work Club have said that the Club is friendly and relaxing, that staff put them at ease and that the club has helped them gain better self esteem and confidence.
Joanne Dean who attended the club for three months said: “I looked forward to attending weekly, because of the relaxed atmosphere. I was able to improve my computer skills and CV writing thanks to workshops I attended. I am now employed!”
Plymouth Community Homes Communities Worker Leigh Ferguson added: “At PCH, we’re committed to helping people help themselves. Finding work is a crucial part of health and wellbeing alongside a decent home, so we’re pleased we can help to support residents in this way.”
