MEMBERS of Skipton Job Club were recently joined at one of their workshops by the area's MP Julian Smith.

Mr Smith sat in on one of the sessions run by Christians Against Poverty and hosted by Stephen Hudson at Champions Church alongside a number of volunteers. The workshop was part of an eight-week course designed to offer support and practical advice to unemployed people.

Many of the volunteers have been in the same situation as those they now help, whether homeless or jobless, and are now trained to help people develop job-seeking skills such as letter-writing, preparation of CVs and interview techniques, Mr Smith heard.

Over lunch, he moved from table to table, meeting attendees and talking about their current situations and how the course was helping them. One of the volunteers told him how she had found secure accommodation and a new job in the last few weeks.

Mr Smith said, “It was brilliant to see Steve and the other volunteers in action. They’re clearly passionate about helping others and listening to some of the successes they’ve had recently was inspirational.

“This is a fantastic resource in the heart of Skipton and I’d strongly encourage anyone who feels they could use some additional help or support to reach out to them.”