Support with rising living costs

Support with employment and skills

• JobCentre Plus - If you are looking for a new job or thinking about making a change, find out about opportunities or receive support around benefit entitlements at Contact JobCentre Plus for more information on 0800 169 0190 or visit GOV.UK
• Thrive Kingston Programme - free one-to-one career coaching for Kingston residents who are 25 or older, receiving any Benefits or earning under £25000 per year. Book your place online.

• Kingston Launchpad: Green Jobs -  Free career coaching programme to help Kingston residents explore and launch their career in the Green Economy. Free for 18-64 years old residents, in receipts of benefits or earning less than £25K a year.

• BITC Job Coaching - Free job coaching with experienced industry professionals for unemployed residents. Participants receive 1:1 advice from a coach with first-hand experience securing a job and working for a leading UK business.

• Jobhelp Campaign - If you are looking for a new job or thinking about making a change, answer a few short questions to get personalised support, tips and advice. 
• Kingston Adult Education Courses - develop your skills or gain qualifications to help improve your chances of finding employment or progressing your career. Kingston Adult Education offers a wide range of courses to help with this. Fore more information email adult.education@kingston.gov.uk, call 020 8547 6700
• L & Q free Employment Support Service - Register online and an Employer Adviser will make contact to discuss support including creating CVs, job search and applications and interview skills along with other related employment advice. Jobs are available across London. This service is delivered remotely and open to anyone over 18 years of age with the right to work in the UK.
• Volunteering Kingston - For Volunteers and Active Citizens within the Kingston Borough. Whether you live, work or study in the Borough they can support all aspects of volunteering.
• Kingston College - Contact Kingston College or visit their website to discover what free courses are available and eligibility.
• Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College - Serving over 7000 learners each year RHACC offers a vibrant learning environment tailored specifically for adult learners. Courses are as accessible and the College offers a range of discounts, concessions and bursaries for eligable learners.
• National Careers Service - Careers advice and support for adults in England – in the community (Kingston JobCentre Plus), online and on the phone via 0800 100 900.
• Open University via Open Learn - Free digital skills, careers advice and CV templates from the Open University’s Open Door to Success portal.
• LinkedIn via Microsoft - LinkedIn's community and resources can help you discover new career paths, learn relevant skills, find jobs that are in-demand and stand out to recruiters.
• Department of Education and Skills for Life - Details of the free courses and qualifications to help adults (19+) gain skills for life, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.
• Able Futures Mental Health Support Service - Advice and guidance from a mental health specialist who can help you learn coping mechanisms, build resilience, access therapy or work with your employer to make adjustments to help your mental health at work.
• Right to Work status - To prove your status to work in the UK you can use this online service.
• Watch out for 7 signs of job scams - Campaign to raise awareness of job scams that might lead people down the path of sharing identity details, and even their own money, in the mistaken belief they are in line for new employment. Here are some red flags to watch out for.

Help to get online 

Kingston Libraries - The libraries offer free access to PCs and also have free wifi where you can get online and access information. 

Digital Skills Training - at the Hook Centre, Hook Road, Chessington KT9 1EJ - helps you to get the most out of your computer and phone for everyday needs.

The next courses begin in January 2023 for 12 weeks. running over 2 days per week (Monday and Thursday). This means that your course will have two sessions per week for a total of 4 hours of learning per week.

To enrol on this course you can go directly to https://bit.ly/KAE-EmpDig2223

Connected Kingston - Digital Support for all residents to help them access healthcare services and advice online. Training includes computer, your phone and how to use zoom. The portal also provides a host of information on employment
and skills, as well as finances, community health and support networks within Kingston.

Digital skills and getting help online  - Help and support with digital skills.

Support and advice for businesses

To find support and advice for businesses and the cost for doing business, visit our dedicated webpages