A NEW skills hub at the Julian House bike workshop in Trowbridge opened its doors last week which will help adults improve their chances of employment.

MP for South West Wiltshire Dr Andrew Murrison officially unveiled the new premises on Duke Street on Friday, which is targeted at developing work-related skills of adults with a history of homelessness, addiction, offending and long-term unemployment.

As a purpose-built IT suite and training facility, the skills hub will offer a flexible space where computer skills can be taught, users can research job opportunities, as well as preparing CVs.

A dedicated employment support worker will also be on hand to provide job coaching and other targeted training and support for individuals.

Peter Denning, chief executive said: “We are very excited about what the new Julian House Skills Hub can deliver for this often marginalised group. Using IT is increasingly becoming not just an option in our day-to-day living but absolutely essential.

"This even applies to accessing benefits and not having the skills to do this can make life very difficult.”

The addition will complement the bike workshop, which is housed in the same building – a project which was launched in July 2014.

In addition to offering refurbished bikes, the workshop provides short courses in bike maintenance and work experience for socially excluded individuals.

Mr Denning added: “Julian House has a long history of delivering this sort of coaching to similar client groups. The benefits are not just about improved access to information; whether that be job opportunities and online training but also in improving self-esteem. That is really important when someone is trying to get back into the job market or reconnecting with their local community.”

Hosted and managed by Julian House the skills hub has been funded by Wiltshire Council’s Area Board, the Skills & Opportunities Fund and Bridge House Community Foundation.

Referrals for the Julian House skills hub are made through a range of local partner agencies including the Jobcentre Plus, Probation, social landlords, supported housing, substance misuse and mental health service providers.

The charity are keen to hear from organisations who would like to make use of the space.

To find out more information, call 01225 764485.