Residents served a slice of opportunity as Careers Café celebrates its first week

One week on from opening, the Careers Café is making a big impact with more than 50 residents dropping in to receive free, friendly advice on everything from careers and training to wellbeing and childcare.

Located in Freshney Place Shopping Centre (next to Trespass and opposite Next), the café offers a warm, approachable space where people can explore their next steps. It’s open:

• Monday to Thursday: 9am – 4pm
• Friday: 9am – 2pm
• Saturday: 10am to 4pm (Wrap around Family Support)

Ran by Taking Action Raising Grimsby’s Emerging Talents’ (TARGET NEL CIC) in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council’s Adult Careers Team, the teams host training programmes with additional support from partners (see below). Services like Families First and the Council’s Wellbeing Team are also on hand to offer holistic support, helping residents overcome personal barriers to employment such as mental health challenges, family pressures, or digital exclusion.

October timetable

Updated timetables will be shared on North East Lincolnshire Council’s social media.

To mark its official opening, The Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Janet Goodwin, attended a launch event alongside local partners, community members, and council representatives. Visitors had the chance to meet the team behind the project and explore the new space following a transformation thanks to GMI Construction Group.

Among those visiting was James Elliot, the Canoe River Cleaner. He said: “The Careers Café is great – it’s noticeable in the middle of the town centre and offers a friendly feel for people who need support. We need to minimise barriers to opportunities and this does just that. It’s great to see the town take shape and be utilised in different ways.”

For others like Joanne Lord, Founder and Managing Director of TARGET NEL CIC, the Careers Café is all about supporting people who aren’t sure where to begin. By offering a range of services, the café aims to give people the tools and confidence they need to take their next step and improve their lives.

Speaking about the café’s success, Joanne said: “We’re so happy with the response in the first week. It’s a big step forward in making support more accessible for people who might not know where to start.

“This partnership with the Adult Careers Team is all about breaking down barriers and making sure wellbeing is part of the journey into work. The café will be a space where people feel safe, supported, and encouraged – whether they’re looking for training, a new job, or just someone to talk to about their next steps.”

Regardless of what it offers, it’s also about ensuring people feel like it’s an approachable place to come and speak to providers to see what they can offer.

Wendy Trask, Operations Manager for Employability at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “The Careers Café has been designed as a safe, welcoming space where anyone can drop in for a conversation about their future, free from pressure or judgment. The Adults Careers Team is committed to offering personalised information, advice and guidance, whether that’s helping someone find the right training course or connecting them with expert support.

“We can’t wait keep building on this in the upcoming weeks.”

In addition to the career’s advice, the café is a clear indicator of the progress that is being made to diversify and regenerate Freshney Place.

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy, Devolution and Skills, said: “The Careers Café brings something truly valuable to the heart of Grimsby – a space where people can easily access expert guidance in a relaxed, supportive setting.

“It reflects how the Council works closely with partners like TARGET NEL CIC and GMI Construction to reimagine our town centre as a place full of opportunity and community spirit.

“Whether you’re considering a career change, looking to build new skills, or just exploring what local support is on offer, the Careers Café is a great place to start, and I urge anyone to take a look.”

This initiative is funded by the Activation and Community Engagement (Activation) Fund.

For more information about TARGET NEL and their programmes, visit https://targetnel.co.uk or email [email protected].

For general careers advice and support, contact North East Lincolnshire Council’s Adult Careers Team at [email protected] or call 01472 323540.

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