We are opening a new centre in Pokesdown for people struggling to get back into work.
The centre, on the main Christchurch Road, will offer training and support to improve confidence so people can get the skills needed for work and self-employment.
Sam Everard, CEO of Samee, came up with the idea for the centre after listening to job seekers she had met during her career.
Sam said: "Not having a job should not stop you looking for opportunities, 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 are opening 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 want to come to us for a chat and drink tea, until they are ready to take those next steps.”
The new centre has received the backing of unLtd, Big Lottery, The Cherries Community Fund at AFC Bournemouth and other funders for support. Thanks to their generosity and vision, the centre will be used by unemployed people and those wanting to improve themselves, but funds are still needed to supply things like stationery and general running costs.
The centre will be open from 10am to 2pm each day and will offer sessions on a one-to-one or group basis depending on the needs of the person.