Have you heard yet about our new Skills Hub on Stanley Front Street? It might just be where you discover a whole new you.

The lowdown

The skills hub provides a place for residents of Stanley and surrounding areas of North Durham to learn and build their skills. A host of free services are offered all under one roof from digital skills coaching, literacy and numeracy tuition, to wellbeing support and employment advice. The aim is to help people break down some of the barriers they face and help them improve their confidence to make a success of their journey into, or back, to work. Karbon’s Foundation Tutor Sean Robson gives us a guided tour...

The entrance

Step inside the skills hub! We’re running an appointments system, but if you’re passing, give a knock on the door and we’ll pop out and chat through opportunities on offer. We know some of our customers might be feeling a little bit nervous, so we’ll do our best to make you feel relaxed. We’re here to help anyone living in Stanley and the surrounding areas – not just Karbon customers – so feel free to book an appointment for a friend, family member or neighbour too. Once Covid-19 restrictions ease, this area will be an informal area to do some personal learning, or to get involved in our ‘homework support clubs’ for parents and carers.

The digital area

Here will be providing all kinds of digital support. We cover a range of areas from accessing emails, using social media, managing your Universal Credit journal to job searching and using online services. We can even walk you through how to use your new Alexa. Our large screen is perfect for demonstrating things clearly. We also have a host of devices and free Wi-Fi to be used when visiting or you can bring your own to learn how to use it better.

Appointment booths

The perfect place for more confidential and discreet appointments with employment advisors, our digital coach or tutor. The booths are equipped with screens for work, learning and job applications.

Pre-employment support section

Here you’ll find all kinds of things to help break down barriers to getting into work, such as interview clothes and PPE. If you’re at the interview stage of a job application we can help with a brand new full outfit, as well as helping with any potential anxieties.

Training room

This is where we’ll be offering a variety of group training courses and working with partners to offer qualifications, once Covid-19 restrictions allow. Like specialist training for 16-24 year olds by Durham Works.

Interview rooms

These spaces are totally private and are great for one-to-one meetings and small group sessions around topics like emotional resilience. They’re also a quiet space to sign up for services and to discuss issues that may require more privacy.

Silver talk area

This space will be dedicated to to our Silver Talk volunteers, who help run our free befriending service, which is offered to people who are isolated and need a person to talk to. When restrictions ease, volunteers can come in to use this space to make their calls.

Visit Karbon’s Foundation for Life’s new Facebook page for the latest opportunities @Karbonffl you can even Direct Message us to book an appointment or email foundations@karbonhomes.co.uk or call 0191 223 8750.