RACC Helps Residents Cope With The Crunch

Rising unemployment, the credit crunch and constant forecasts of still darker days ahead make even those so far unaffected by the recession fearful of the future. For people already suffering the outlook can seem bleak, even hopeless - but help is available.

RACC (Richmond Adult Community College) and Richmond Local Strategic Partnership have joined forces to help residents cope with the problems of recession and demonstrate how local services can provide help and guidance.

Surviving Recession is the theme of a free one day event being held at the College in Parkshot, Richmond on Thursday, 26 March.  It is open to everyone uncertain about their future – individuals, families, the self-employed and those facing redundancy or who are unemployed.

From 10am to 8pm, visitors will be able to seek advice and discuss their problems with experts on a wide range of subjects including financial guidance, health and legal matters.

There will be free workshops and seminars on topics as varied as personal career planning and business start-ups, business and management skills training, job searching, stress reduction and apprenticeship opportunities. They will have the opportunity of receiving career information, advice on compiling CVs and be able to find out about training and courses.

On hand to provide expert advice and guidance will be local services, charities, support groups and businesses with potential employment opportunities.

RACC Principal, Christina Conroy, sees the day as the first phase in an on-going programme by the College designed to help all sectors of the community deal with the myriad of problems created by the recession.

“Most people are anxious about their future, many are already suffering and experiencing hardships they have never had to face before, and so are confused and uncertain about how to deal with their particular situation. As a result they can feel isolated, that no one cares, and so become despairing.

“This is not the case. Expert help is available and we, together with the Local Strategic Partnership, aim to demonstrate this at the Surviving Recession open day.

“This is not a one-off, cure all, event. It will mark the start of a continuous programme by  RACC to help all those affected by the recession through encouraging them to realise their potential, to acquire new skills and improve existing ones and prove to them that they can turn their lives around and look ahead to a brighter future.”