Bracknell

Everyone knows it’s tough out there for Bracknell young people trying to get a job.

The free Bracknell Forest Partnership careers event takes place on Wednesday, January 25, at The Capitol Building (formerly Siemens) in Bracknell’s Southern Industrial Area.

It’s a fantastic window of opportunity for the Bracknell borough’s young people and their parents and carers to get the best possible information about education, training and employment prospects for the years ahead.

The event has been put together by the Bracknell Partnership, East Berkshire Education Business Partnership and business sponsors from across the borough.

More than 70 Bracknell employers, training and education providers and specialist advisers will be on hand in one place to offer information and practical help on getting ready for the world of work.

During the day, Year 11 students from Bracknell Forest secondary schools will ask questions, pick up ideas, listen to inspirational speakers and make contact with potential employers.

An evening session, between 5pm and 8pm, is open to students from all secondary school year groups, their parents and carers and to residents who may have already left education and need help getting into work or training. They can also get personal advice on how to put together a stand-out CV and polish up interview techniques.

David Cook, chairman of the Bracknell Forest Economic & Skills Development Partnership, said: “This is such an important event because we have so many employers, training and education providers under one roof.

”It’s a fantastic opportunity for the borough’s young people to find out about the complete range of qualifications they can achieve, the work skills they need and, perhaps more importantly, how those qualifications and skills meet the needs for real jobs in today’s businesses.

“There is a lot of very practical help and advice available and I urge young visitors to sign up for the CV writing and interview technique sessions at the evening event, and get coaching from business people about the world of work.

“We believe parents and carers will also get valuable insights and information to help and guide their children as they move into employment opportunities.

“There’s something here for everyone.’”

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Bracknell Forest Council’s executive member for planning transportation and economic development, said: “This is a very important initiative to give the borough’s young people every opportunity to get into employment and training.

“The Bracknell Forest Partnership and the sponsors are working hard to make this careers event an outstanding success on the day. But we also hope it will leave a legacy that will benefit young people in Bracknell Forest in years to come.”

Bracknell Forest Council

In 2011 Bracknell Forest Council undertook the enormous task to ask the young people of the borough what services and facilities they wanted in their area.

More than 5,000 Bracknell young people took part in the Youth Participation Survey, with 400 more involved in focus groups.

The results of the Bracknell survey have now been released. Young people have said:

they enjoy the wide range of leisure and arts centres in the area;
sources of advice and guidance are good – at home, in school and in health and youth centres as well as from specialists when they are needed;
sometimes they lack the confidence needed to try new things;
the cost of transport is a barrier and for young people who have special needs – they need additional support to get to the best venues;
there needs to be somewhere in the town centre – open day and evening, designed and run by young people;
there needs to be provision for those in the 16 – 19 age range; and
young people would be encouraged to volunteer if they understood the purpose and value that it would have for others in their community.

The feedback from the survey has been used to help Bracknell Forest Council shape its proposal for the modernisation of the youth service for the 2012/2013 council budget.

Cllr Gareth Barnard, executive member for Bracknell children and young people, said: “The proposal to modernise the youth service comes at a time when there is a national debate on the future of services for young people.”

David Watkins, chief officer: strategy, resources and early intervention at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “Bracknell Forest Council is looking at how it can respond to these needs and to modernise the youth service in response to this feedback. The proposed modernisation programme is looking at how we can make best use of the resources available to provide services for the young people who will benefit most.”

Bracknell Young people, their family and friends are urged to have their say by attending a public meeting to be held at 6.30pm on Friday, January 27, at the Coopers Hill Youth and Community Centre, Crowthorne Road North, Bracknell, RG12 7QS.

If you would like to attend the public meeting, please register your interest with Qa Research, who will be running the event on behalf of the council, by emailing bracknellyouthservices@qaresearch.co.uk or calling 0800 980 9030. Lines are open 10am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Residents who need a helping hand to keep warm and well this winter can benefit from additional funding, thanks to one of the largest grants of its kind in the country.

Following a successful bid, Bracknell Forest Council has been awarded £38,000 from the Department of Health’s Warm Homes Healthy People fund, which will help more vulnerable people stay safe and warm during the winter months.

The money will be used to enhance a number of current Bracknell schemes including improving insulation in homes, adding or improving heating controls, boiler repairs or replacements and supporting services such as the Funding Age UK Handyperson scheme, advising residents about installing smoke detectors, converting to water meters, using energy monitors and other services provided by Bracknell Forest Council.

Out of the new funding, money has also been allocated to offer assistance with boiler repairs and central heating installation

Hazel Hill, sustainable energy officer at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “With ever increasing energy costs the Warm Homes Healthy People grant has come just at the rght time.

“We will visit the homes of our elderly and vulnerable residents free of charge and will assess the energy savings measurements appropriate for their home and personal circumstances.

“So please call us today if you think you, or someone you know, might benefit from the scheme. For an appointment, telephone Hazel direct on 01344 352536 or customer services on 01344 352000.”

Cllr Dorothy Hayes, executive member for the Bracknell environment, added: “This is fantastic news and will benefit many vulnerable residents across Bracknell Forest.

“It can be a very difficult time of year for elderly people and it’s important they have enough support and advice to make sure they are prepared for the remainder of winter.”

All households who request a home visit before the end of January will be entered into a prize draw to win a food hamper.

Bracknell Forest Council

If getting fit was one of your aims for 2012, why not set yourself a Bracknell challenge and sign up to take part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile.

The national fundraiser, which is predicted to have over one million competitors, takes place at Bracknell Leisure Centre on Sunday, March 25, and encourages people to take part in either a one, three or six mile challenge.

Participants will take to the centre’s 400m running track and run either four, 12 or 24 laps, depending on the distance they choose to run.

Kathy Bradford, business development manager at Bracknell Forest Council, said: “The Sport Relief Mile is open to people of all ages and levels of fitness and for a limited time, entry is just half price, so why not make a commitment to the Sport Relief Mile today? Get fit and raise money for a good cause at the same time.”

“There are three different categories; the junior /child (under 16), adult (aged 16 and over) and also a family (two adults, two children).”

The fun takes place between 10am and 2pm, and start times are dictated by the distance of the run.

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell culture, corporate services and public protection, said: “2012 is going to be a great sporting year, so why not take part in a sporting challenge of your own and sign up to the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile?

“Participants compete in the run on the leisure centre’s running track, and there is certain to be lots of support. What better way to feel like an Olympic athlete?”

Bracknell Forest Council