INFORMATION DAY IN CLIFTONVILLE

Support and advice is on hand later this week (Friday 22 October) for people living in Cliftonville on how to access services and get into education and training.

Representatives from a range of organisations will be at Peter’s Bar at 112 Northdown Road between 1pm and 4pm on Friday 22 October. The day is aimed at bringing people together who live locally and especially members of communities that may not usually get involved with local services, such as Eastern European residents.

Amongst those attending are JobCentre Plus, Connexions and local employers, who can talk to people about job opportunities and answer any questions.

Council officers and Kent Police Community Liaison Officers can give advice on any local issues, answer questions and give support. Bilingual workers will also be on hand to overcome any language barriers.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “This event is about bringing people together who live in the same area. Everyone is welcome and we’d encourage people to come along and bring their children and enjoy a drink and something to eat with us. We’re especially keen to attract people who may be new to the area, who may not know where to go to get information and support.”

Peter Prokopczyk from Peter’s Bar said: “What we want to achieve is simply to warm up relationships between East Europeans and the local community. Do not forget we came from behind iron curtain so let's break any barriers! Job information and support is extremely important in Cliftonville and it is crucial to let people know or simply remind about existing opportunities. Myself and my family have moved here around six years ago, and I am telling you it was hard, very difficult to understand surrounding world even knowing the language at rather advanced level. I could not believe you were sending your children to schools at the age of 4!”