As part of the Allenton Big Local Profile Review, we’ve been talking to people who have used the Work Club at Allen Park to find out what they think about the service on offer.
The Work Club is funded by Allenton Big Local and delivered by Derby Adult Learning. It is held every Monday (except bank holidays) between 10am and 3.30pm at the Allen Park Centre.
Someone who has used the Work Club successfully in the past is Allenton Big Local’s very own Kay Kennedy. Kay is a local resident and, since April 2018, she has also worked as the Plan Co-ordinator for the Allenton Big Local project.
Kay said: “Yes, I was a member of the Allen Park Work Club. I used to go along on Monday mornings and have a look on the computer to find out what jobs were available. The club helped me with my CV, job searches and getting my life organised around getting work.
“Because I have family commitments, I couldn’t work full-time and all the jobs I was coming across were for hours that I wasn’t able to do. I applied for a few of the jobs anyway but, when I was offered an interview and I explained about my availability, the employers told me that those hours wouldn’t work for them.
“Chris Walker at the Work Club knew about my time constraints and what hours I was able to work. It was Chris who pointed out the Allenton Big Local vacancy to me. He said: ‘This job would be perfect for you, Kay. You should apply.’ So I did! The Work Club gave me advice on how I should carry myself out at the interview and that helped me feel less nervous.”
“The advisors at the Work Club are really friendly and helpful. They put you at ease and give you confidence in yourself. In fact, everyone who uses the Work Club is helpful and friendly. They talk to each other, encourage each other, and support each other with things like IT.
“Being part of the Work Club worked out well for me and I’d definitely recommend it to others.”
We asked Kay what difference working for Allenton Big Local had made to her life. She said: “I now have an outside focus that isn’t just about my children or inside my house. I get to spend time around other adults, which is what I needed. The job gives me a sense of well-being and satisfaction. I love my job. I really do.”
And Kay is not the only person who has endorsed the benefits of the Work Club. Take a look at these comments from other residents who have used the service:
“I have attended an ECDL computing course here in Allenton, which was arranged through the Work Club. This was a really convenient venue because it meant that I didn’t have to spend money on bus fares getting to a course in town.”
“The Work Club in Allenton makes finding and applying for jobs much easier and there is always lots of information available. Using the computers here is a lot better than having to use my phone.”
If you’re looking for a job or want to improve your career prospects, visit the Work Club at the Allen Park Centre (next to Allenton Library) on Mondays between 10am and 3.30pm.