Chelmsford residents affected by redundancy will soon have access to a new support service offered by Chelmsford Borough Council, in partnership with Chelmsford College, called "Redundancy Initiative : Supporting Enterprise", or R.I:S.E for short. 26 May 2009 Launching on 2 June 2009 at Chelmsford College's Copleston Court campus on Duke Street, the R.I:S.E service will provide direct support to people who have been made redundant or are facing redundancy. The Council recognises that for those people affected by redundancy, it can be difficult to find the advice they need quickly or easily. Working with partners, R.I:S.E will bring together many services into one place, and in many cases will remove the need to make an appointment to see an adviser. Offering training, networking events, seminars and a drop-in advice centre, R.I:S.E will be a one-stop shop for Chelmsford residents that are facing redundancy. Chelmsford Borough Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for economic development, Councillor Neil Gulliver, is confident that this new initiative will have significant benefits for local residents and commented: "The Council recognises that redundancy can be very difficult to deal with and presents significant challenges for those affected. However, a lot of people have used redundancy as a springboard to try new things, including developing highly successful businesses. The R.I:S.E initiative will provide support and advice to enable people to assess their situation and take action going forward." The scheme aims to support people who want to get straight back into work and will also provide guidance on training options to either enhance existing skills or develop entirely new ones to progress their career or move into a totally new role. For some, the chance to be their own boss will be irresistible and the redundancy support service will also provide help and advice on starting a new business. A telephone helpline will be available during normal office hours and advisers will be available in person at Copleston Court every Tuesday, from 10:30am to 8:30pm. A programme of seminars and advice surgeries will be available, focusing on different aspects of redundancy support each week. By attending these events, individuals will gain the additional opportunity to network with other people in similar situations, which may open up new avenues. The Council is working closely with many partners, including Chelmsford College, Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice Bureau and Mid Essex Enterprise Agency, to provide the new facility. Full details of forthcoming R.I:S.E events are available on the Council's website at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/redundancy. For further information please call the Council's Inward Investment, Economy and Growth Team on 01245 606568 or at redundancy@chelmsford.gov.uk.
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