Safe space opens to offer people employment and self-employment support

The centre, on the main Christchurch Road, offers training and support to improve confidence with the skills needed for work and self-employment. The centre will offer sessions on a one-to-one or group basis depending on the needs of the person.

Sam Everard, CEO of Samee, took the idea to the Trustees after listening to job seekers she had met during her career. “Not having a job should not stop you looking for opportunities,” said Sam, “In fact, it should encourage you to look at yourself and see what skills and talents you have that you can develop. A lot of the people we work with are making things and could use their hobbies to supplement their income.

“We have opened this centre, the only one in the area, to encourage people to talk to us about how they can improve themselves and bring independence back to their lives. There are no barriers to the work we do as we understand how hard it is to make that change and move on. We are finding people just come in for a chat, until they are ready to take those next steps. With the space we have, there is also the opportunity for them to advertise products and services to test market their ideas.”

After the initial agreement from the trustees, Sam spoke to unLtd, Big Lottery, The Cherries Community Fund at AFC Bournemouth and other funders for support.

Thanks to their generosity and vision, the centre has now been built and is already being used by local unemployed people and those wanting to improve things.