MANY unemployed and marginalised York families are set to benefit from the launch of a national employment initiative in the city.

Since its launch in 2012, CAP Job Clubs has grown to a network of 163 across the UK, helping more than 1,000 people into work.

Now, two clubs are being set up in York - in partnership with York Vineyard Church and The Ark.

Volunteers have undergone training with charity Christians Against Poverty to be able to offer extra support and practical advice to unemployed people.

Vineyard Job Club manager, Julie Wood, who will be leading the course, said: “Knowing many people are out of work, and yet have talents and skills going to waste, we just felt we had to do something and Christians Against Poverty’s training and resources seemed like a really great fit for us.”

CAP Job Clubs is based on the three Cs: course, community and coaching. The eight-week course provides those looking for work with skills and abilities, such as CV writing, interview technique and the value of volunteering. This course runs alongside York Vineyard’s supportive peer-to-peer community, where those looking for work can share their experiences, struggles and advice. Each person is also given one-to-one coaching to develop their strengths and identify other opportunities, such as volunteering or a college course. The club, which has received funding from Efficiency North’s EN:Able Community Investment Fund, will run weekly, from March 9, at 11.30am at York Vineyard Church, in Cemetery Road.