Lord Mayor Opens New Self-Reliance Centre
On Monday the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of York, and the Sheriff of York and Sherriff’s Lady, opened a dedicated Self-Reliance Centre at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), West Bank, Acomb. It is the first of its type in the North of England.
The Lord Mayor cut the ribbon to officially open this community-based facility to allow local residents free and impartial access to online resources, support and expertise (available to everyone, of any working age, whether members of the Church or not).
The aim is to help anyone to develop personal and family self-reliance and York is a trailblazer, as eventually there will be around 50 Self-Reliance Centres across England.
Each Centre will provide free internet access, one-to-one support, professional mentoring and helpful resources to job seekers, the self-employed and prospective students. The centres will be staffed by volunteers from a variety of professional backgrounds and will offer services such as:
• How to gain a good education
• How to start or grow your own business
• How to find and keep employment
• Personal Mentoring
• Career Coaching
• Networking
York area Church-leader, President Kent Mayall said “as lives are positively changed through the services provided families and communities will also be strengthened”. He explained “the purpose is for people to find jobs, to learn and prepare to gain better jobs and eventually to become self-reliant enough to develop their own lasting careers”.
The York Self-Reliance Centre will have flexible opening hours. To start with the West Bank (Acomb) Centre will host Wednesday evening sessions from 7pm-9pm. Some sessions will also be provided in other parts of North Yorkshire, such as Scarborough. Centres will extend their opening hours depending on demand.
All are welcome to simply turn up on a Wednesday evening and make enquiries.
