Job Centre Plus opens in newly renovated Helston Library

Jobseekers in Helston can now access a wide range of key services under one roof, following the co-location of a Library and Information Service and the Job Centre Plus, which opened on 8 January in the newly renovated Helston Library.

Better use of floor space has allowed for the creation of an interview room and space for the Department of Work and Pension's Jobcentre Plus service, as well as a new children's library. In addition the Information Services has moved from Isaac House into the library.

Bringing other services in to the current Cornwall Council owned building helps reduce costs, increases use of the building and brings in more potential library users, ensuring long-term sustainability. Co-locating these services not only improves the range of services on offer for people to access in one place, it means the library has been protected. 

In addition to the current library service opening hours, residents also benefit from new self-service access from 9am to 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays providing extended customer access to the library services in Helston. Customers can use the library to borrow and return items using the self-service kiosks and use the public access computers on these two additional days each week.

Jobseekers will also be able to use the library's free Wi-Fi and access the public computers to help with their employment search or update their CV, as well as enjoying the wider benefits of library membership. This includes library events that support informal learning and health and wellbeing, alongside regular activities for children and families.

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods, said: "I would like to thank the Department of Work and Pensions for working with us on this exciting project. The new joint customer Hub will allow local residents, library users and job seekers to access a wide range of essential public sector services at one convenient location. Working alongside the Job Centre Plus not only benefits the local community but it also makes much more effective use of public space and the existing building, which is a key part of our work to maximise the way we use public buildings across Cornwall, as well as ensuring the Council delivers value for money."

John Martin, Cornwall Councillor for Helston South said: "This new customer hub will be of great benefit to the town. The co-location of the Job Centre Plus alongside the Library will provide job seekers with additional resources which will benefit their job search as well as ensuring that the Library remains at the heart of the community."

Commenting on the relocation of the jobcentre to the Helston Library, Nathan Kendall, Jobcentre Plus Manager for Helston, said: "This is excellent news for jobseekers. The move to the new centre will give access to a wide range of key services under one roof.  Advice on benefits and help for jobseekers will be available in this new customer hub, while giving local taxpayers value for money."

More information about the Helston Library and Information Service can be found on the Cornwall Council website.

Story posted 24 January 2018