People wanting to boost their chances of finding the right job - or improving their health - can get the help and support they need during Wolverhampton Residents Week from Monday 14 March to Friday 18 March.

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The week includes a series of drop in events and free activities to support local people to compete for jobs, become self employed, develop their skills and improve their health and fitness.

The week also provides an opportunity for residents to speak directly to organisations and voluntary sector services across the city that provide help and support on a range of issues.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy said: "Dozens of organisations and businesses have come together for Residents Week to set up events across 5 days. It's a great effort.

"Supporting residents into jobs and improving the health and wellbeing of local people are top priorities for the city. Residents Week gives us a focus on this."

A day long job support event will take place at Molineux Stadium on Thursday 17 March. This free event is open to everyone. Between 10am and 2pm residents will have the opportunity to talk to people and organisations that offer advice and support on becoming self employed, such as Access to Business. From 2pm to 7pm residents will be able to talk directly to training providers who have apprenticeship and training opportunities available now. There will also be the chance for people to get a free health check and help and support on improving health and wellbeing.

On Tuesday 15 March residents can take part in a free morning of fun taster activities to improve their health and fitness at WV Active Bilston - Bert Williams. Between 9am and 12.30pm people can try aqua aerobics, circuit training or get a gym induction session (book in advance by ringing WV Active on 01902 551010). There will also be the opportunity for residents to test out their creativity by having a go at flower arranging, jewellery design and sewing.

Also on offer during Residents Week on Wednesday 16 March, is an opportunity for residents to find out about the range of local services in the city and what help and support they provide. One such service is the Carers Support Team who offer support to people who are caring for a family member, friend or neighbour with an illness or disability. You can find out more about their service at a special Coffee and Chat event at Café Zest Restaurant in Beatties, House of Fraser, between 10.30am and 12.30pm. For the duration of the event family carers will be able to claim 20% off their bill in the Café Zest Restaurant if they show their carers emergency card.

Also on offer on the same day is a special careers advice session for parents of school leavers, offering impartial advice and help from qualified careers advisers, to navigate the wide range of choices open to school leavers. Parents will also get free publications covering successful job hunting and career choice including apprenticeships, courses, entry level programmes and more. Drop in to The Connexions Centre, 118 to 119 Salop Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 ORX anytime between 2pm and 4.30pm.

Ian Darch, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council and Chair of the City's Inclusion Board, added: "Together we have arranged a wide ranging programme of events to help people compete for jobs, become self employed, develop their skills, improve their health and fitness and know more about the help and support available to them across the city.

"We want as many people as possible to take advantage of the support on offer - it could really make a difference by kick starting someone's career or by giving them support in making lifestyle changes."

Residents Week is part of Wolverhampton's drive to improve opportunities, prosperity and health for residents, and is also part of the City's Conference Season which aims to raise the profile of Wolverhampton, its people and opportunities.

  • released: Thursday 25 February, 2016