Skills and Volunteering Fair

Fresh starts on offer as fair supports over‑50s back into work and volunteering

Residents aged 50 and over explored new skills, volunteering opportunities and routes back into work at a new Skills and Volunteering Fair held in Jaywick Sands.

Run by the Department for Work and Pensions (Jobcentre Plus) in partnership with Tendring4Growth, Tendring District Council’s (TDC) flagship economic development initiative, the event was designed to support people to boost their career prospects, explore volunteering, or consider a fresh start later in life.

The event took place at the Sunspot in Jaywick on Wednesday 21 January, and welcomed around 100 attendees throughout the day.

Visitors had the chance to discover new skills, take part in workshops, receive CV‑writing support, explore self‑employment options and meet a wide range of local organisations offering expert advice and guidance.

Organisations attending on the day included Community Voluntary Services Tendring, the National Careers Service, HR Prime, Parents 1st UK, Menta business support for the self‑employed, Colchester Institute, Jobcentre Plus, COLBEA, Signpost, Home Instead and Citizens Advice Tendring.

The fair recognised that many people aged 50+ are looking for flexible employment, volunteering roles, or an opportunity to try something completely new after finishing a previous career.

Alongside one‑to‑one advice, dedicated sessions were held on job searching, self‑employment, volunteering opportunities and the support available to help people return to work with confidence.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, praised the event for supporting local residents.

“This event was all about opening doors for people aged 50+, whether that’s getting back into work, developing new skills, or finding out more about volunteering opportunities,” he said.

“It’s inspiring to see so many people engaging with new possibilities and discovering what’s achievable for their future.

“Events like this are about more than just jobs — they’re about raising aspirations and creating opportunities for people to realise their potential, which is at the heart of our vision for Tendring.”

The next careers event at the Sunspot will see young people given the chance to speak with the Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team about career paths and opportunities during an informal session on Thursday 5 February from 3pm to 5pm.

For more information on similar events and to stay up to date with Tendring4Growth’s eBulletins go to www.tendring4growth.com.