Charity offers free employability support at Swadlincote event

South Derbyshire residents who are currently unemployed are invited to a free employability event taking place at Swadlincote Town Hall on Friday 9 January, from 10am to 2pm.

The drop-in event, Find Your Way, is being delivered by Groundwork Five Counties, in partnership with South Derbyshire District Council and Burton and South Derbyshire College. It is designed to help people move closer to employment, build confidence and explore future opportunities.

Residents attending the event can access a range of friendly, informal support, including one-to-one advice, skills development and guidance on training and education.

Groundwork will be showcasing its fully funded Beyond Barriers programme, which offers tailored support to help people:

• find work

• gain new skills

• improve mental health and wellbeing

• apply for benefits

• overcome barriers to employment

Support is bespoke to individual needs, with ongoing one-to-one advice available.

South Derbyshire District Council will also be promoting the new Active Futures project, which supports residents to get active, develop skills and increase employability through one-to-one and group mentoring sessions.

Representatives from Burton and South Derbyshire College will be available to discuss adult learning opportunities, including Maths, English and professional courses - many of which are free through the National Skills Fund.

In addition, Groundwork’s Green Doctors will be on hand to provide advice on reducing energy bills, improving energy efficiency at home and accessing further support, including debt advice and emergency fuel and food assistance.

Michelle Baron, Partnership and Delivery Manager at Groundwork Five Counties, said:

“Start 2026 right with a new job or training course.

Whether you already know exactly what you want to do or are unsure, it’s always a good idea to get advice. We’re here for everyone, regardless of how long you’ve been out of work or what challenges they may be facing.

Come along for a friendly, informal atmosphere — you may walk out with a whole new perspective on the future.”

The event is free to attend, open to all, and no booking is required.

The Find Your Way event is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which has been awarded to Groundwork Five Counties by South Derbyshire District Council.

For more information, visit:
👉 www.groundwork.org.uk/find-your-way

18 December 2025