A NEW community hub opened up in Launceston to help those needing support into employment.

Pluss is a social enterprise that supports people who face a range of barriers to move into work and achieve a career and opened in Northgate Street at the end of March.

The organisation work with people with disabilities, health or mental health conditions, people overcoming substance misuse or domestic abuse, ex-offenders, ex-forces – or anyone who has a significant barrier to finding work.

The building they are now operating from was opened on March 29, and Launceston’s Mayor was invited for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Since then, the centre has come on leaps and bounds, Geraldine Scott-Smith the public affairs and digital marketing manager for Pluss said: “So far we have had around 40 new referrals, 17 people have entered into work. We have also had lots of new work placements with employers including two with M&S, and we have also joined the Launceston Chamber of Commerce.”

Even on the opening day, mayor, Margaret Young was impressed with the level of confidence shown by some of those being helped by Pluss.

She said: “At the presentation, someone I went to school with, who I can remember being shy and this person spoke to those in attendance and did so really well. He underwent the Pluss programme and was an example of how well it works.

“It really boosts confidence and gives people enough skills to land themselves a job.”

The mayor described a young lady in her late 20s who also spoke at the opening.

She said: “She was rather shy, but got up and spoke really well too. It’s a really good chance to give people the strength and ability to be able to apply for jobs.”

Pluss believes that with the right support, anyone can find work and achieve their potential. They offer a completely personalised service and they work with each individual to identify their aspirations, and help them find the job that they want to do.

They support with job searches, CVs, interview preparation and can also purchase new clothes for interview or support with travel to work. They also help people to feel healthy and well so that they regain their confidence and feel positive about looking for work.

They also offer a free service to employers to help them pre-screen and match the right people to their jobs.

Geraldine said: “With the highest employment levels in 44 years, employers are struggling to find the right people for their jobs and need to think differently about recruitment.”

By working with a specialist employment provider like Pluss, they are able to tap into a wealthy pool of people who are keen and motivated to work.

With 70,000 people in Cornwall who are economically inactive (20,000 of whom are on health related benefits) the community hub look forward to working with the people of Launceston and the surrounding area — and making Launceston an even more thriving place to live, work and do business.

For more information contact Geraldine at [email protected] or call 07766 367267.