A new permanent skills hub has been launched for residents of St Mark's in Cheltenham at the Hesters Way Community Resource Centre.

Made possible thanks to an £85k award from Gloucestershire County Council's Levelling Up Together Fund, these free services are available to anyone looking for work, in education or simply wanting to access courses to help build their confidence.

Sessions run on Wednesdays and Thursdays and more information, including how to book, can be found online at Cheltenham Borough Homes.  

Caroline Walker, head of community services at Cheltenham Borough Homes, said: "We are thrilled that our skills hub is now up and running and we're looking forward to welcoming our residents along to see the great free courses that are on offer."

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for housing at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "This skills hub is a brilliant opportunity for our residents. I'm thrilled we've been able to launch this life-changing practical help to improve skills, knowledge and confidence for people's futures.

"Investing in infrastructure and services is key to supporting our communities - unlocking learning and development, as well as employment and knowledge opportunities.''

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "I am delighted that the county council's Levelling Up Together fund has been able to fund this permanent skills hub in Cheltenham.

"Levelling Up Together is about improving education provision across the county to narrow the inequalities in our society and help our residents achieve their ambitions for the places they live in."

Some of the opportunities available at the skills hub include:

* Simple IT skills

* Application forms and interviewing skills

* Maths

* Budgeting for Christmas

* Damp, mould and condensation advice

Cllr David Willingham, county councillor for St Mark's and St Peter's division, said: "My work to get investment in areas like St Mark's started at the county council meeting in 2021. I am delighted to see this funding, which I fought so hard for, being used in St Mark's. It will address the significant need, identified by our communities, and provide a better and more diverse range of opportunities."