THE success of the M3 Job Club has prompted the borough council to step in and provide it with a bigger venue.

Having already supported more than 250 people back to work, the club – a voluntary and free service – has been running its Friday morning sessions at the Innovation Centre, on Basing View.

But with the sessions attracting more than 35 people a week, a bigger venue was required – so the club approached Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for help.

And thanks to the council’s support, the club has now celebrated its third birthday at its new venue at Carnival Hall, in Council Road.

The club was set up to help support people back to work and put them in touch with businesses that need their skills, experience and work ethic.

Working with local businesses, the club offers people, placed at risk of redundancy or out of work, the chance to learn the tools and techniques needed to increase their chances of getting their ideal position, rebuild their confidence and help to sharpen CVs and interview skills.

Richard Thayer, the M3 Job Club’s founder and chairman, said: “The driving factors for setting up the Job Club were my personal experiences of redundancy and the realisation that there was no real professional support to help people return to work.

“I also needed the motivation and a reason to get up in the morning, whilst giving something back to the community.

“The M3 Job Club connects employees and employers in a creative and positive way.

“It has been so successful in doing this and has demonstrated that there is such a demand that we have moved to a bigger venue with the help of the council who recognise the value to the local community and economy.”

Now a charitable incorporated organisation, the club provides people with the opportunity to network, share their experiences and support each other in a positive, learning environment whilst gaining knowledge and advice on their journey back to work.

It offers a 16-week business-focused and coaching-led programme run by professionals from businesses who all donate their time for free.

Councillor Clive Sanders, leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “This club is giving vital help to professionals who have been made redundant or are out of work to make sure that they are able to get back to work and that local employers benefit from their skills and experience.

“It has helped so many people back into work so it is only right that we are supporting them by organising their new bigger place to meet.”

The club meets every Friday, except bank holidays, from 9am until 12.30pm.