CITY councillors have thrown their weight behind a new service that wants to help the unemployed.

Winchester City Council is working with national agency Sova to help people find work with its ‘employment mentoring service’.

It recruits and trains volunteers to mentor unemployed people across the Winchester district. They will provide moral and practical support.

At Wednesday’s town forum meeting councillors suggested ways to help kick-start the service.

Cllr Anne Weir said: “Our whole community will benefit from this excellent programme and the next two years will be a really valuable learning experience for us all.”

In a statement leader of the city council, Cllr Rob Humby, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this new service, which aims to reduce dependency on benefits and move job-seekers towards employment.

“The work of volunteer mentors could include giving practical advice by helping with CVs, job searches and interview techniques. Mentors can assist people to develop new skills such as in ICT or budgeting, and they will work with people to source training and volunteering opportunities to improve their job prospects.

“Volunteer mentors will signpost people to specialist services that can help them to move towards employment.”

To become a mentor or to find out more contact Alex Soloman at asolomon@winchester.gov.uk, on 01962 848 396 or 07980732005.