In just a six weeks, Grimsby’s Careers Café has become a go-to destination for advice, training, and confidence-building, welcoming more than 400 visitors eager to take the next step in their lives.
Located opposite Next in Freshney Place, the drop-in space is a joint initiative between TARGET NEL CIC (Taking Action Raising Grimsby’s Emerging Talents) and North East Lincolnshire Council’s Adults Careers Team. Designed to bring support into the heart of the town centre, the café makes it easier for residents to access help when they need it.
Since opening in October, visitors have sought guidance on everything from CV writing and job applications to training opportunities and overcoming challenges such as childcare, confidence, and wellbeing. The café has also become a hub for community activity, hosting creative sessions with local artists, Saturday activities for children, and digital workshops.
Every week, the Careers Café hosts a mix of local organisations offering advice and support. Partners include North East Lincolnshire Council’s Young People’s Support Service (YPSS) and Wellbeing Team, alongside Creative Start, Care Plus Group, Franklin College, The Army, and self-employment specialists. Weekly timetables can be found on North East Lincolnshire Council’s social media or alternatively, printed versions are available at the café.
One of the flagship programmes running from the café is Train2Employ, delivered by TARGET NEL – a community interest company that offer training, education and employment support for all ages. By combining lived and professional experience, their approach promotes community development, long-term employment and personal growth.
Maddie, who recently joined Train2Employ, described the transformational effect the programme has had on her life: “Train2Employ has given me so much more confidence. I now feel like I understand who I am, and it’s been an eye-opener. The training aspect of the programme has made me so much more aware of the challenges young people are dealing with and, most importantly, how to support them and their families in the right way.”
Established in 2024, TARGET NEL continues to grow, with its 13th team member recently receiving a signed contract of employment.
Joanne Lord, Founder and Managing Director of TARGET NEL CIC, reflected on the achievements both TARGET and the Careers Café have made. She said: “I feel proud and humbled by what we’ve achieved. The Careers Café has welcomed hundreds of visitors already, and it’s incredible to see it growing into a space that truly makes a difference.
“We’ve not only made careers advice more accessible, but we’re also seeing real progress with programmes like Train2Employ, signing up more people and creating opportunities that change lives. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I’m excited to see how this continues to develop.”
In addition to the contribution TARGET and the Adult Careers Service are making to skills and careers in North East Lincolnshire, the café is a clear indicator of the progress being made to diversify and regenerate Freshney Place.
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy, Devolution and Skills, said: “The past month has shown just how valuable the Careers Café is for our community. This success is a great example of what can be achieved when the council works hand in hand with partners like TARGET NEL CIC and GMI Construction to create spaces that inspire growth and confidence.
“If you’re thinking about a career change, building new skills, or simply finding out what support is available locally, the Careers Café is the perfect place to start, and I’d encourage everyone to take advantage of it.”
Drop in today at Freshney Place (opposite Next) and see how the Careers Café can help you take the next step.
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 the Adult Careers Team at [email protected] or call 01472 323540.
This initiative is funded by the Activation and Community Engagement (Activation) Fund.
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