Salvation Army reopens with community fair for jobseekers

The Salvation Army has reopened its newly refurbished Hastings Citadel after a year-long closure by hosting an Employability & Community Fair designed to help local people find work, access training and connect with support services.

The event was the first to be held in the transformed St Andrews Square building since the refurbishment was completed, welcoming jobseekers from across Hastings and the surrounding area to meet employers, training providers, charities and employability specialists. An official opening ceremony will be held in the autumn

Now in its fourth year, the free Employability & Community Fair brought together The Salvation Army's Employment Plus team alongside exhibitors including East Sussex College Group and the Hastings Advice and Representation Centre. Visitors were able to receive careers advice, CV support, information about volunteering and training opportunities, as well as guidance on taking their next steps towards employment.

The event also provided an opportunity for local organisations to network and celebrate the wide range of support available across Hastings.

Among those attending were Hastings MP Helena Dollimore and the Mayor of Hastings, Councillor Paula Warne, who met exhibitors, spoke with visitors and looked around the newly refurbished building.

Major Mandy Sands, leader of The Salvation Army in Hastings, said:

"Seeing our newly refurbished citadel filled with people again was incredibly special. After a year of being closed, there couldn't have been a better way to reopen than by bringing the community together and helping people take positive steps towards employment and brighter futures.

"This building is much more than bricks and mortar. It's a place where people can find support, friendship and hope, and we're excited to begin this new chapter by opening our doors once again to the people of Hastings."

Sam Sorrenti, Assistant Regional Manager for Employment Plus for London and the South East, said:

"Employment Plus is about supporting people into quality, meaningful work. We work alongside people to build confidence, develop skills and overcome the barriers that may be standing in the way of employment.

"Our Employability & Community Fair is a fantastic opportunity to bring together employers, training providers and community organisations under one roof, making it easier for people to access the help they need. Whether someone is looking for work, considering a change in career or simply wants advice on their next steps, we're here to support them.

"We were delighted that the first event in our refurbished Hastings Citadel could be one that reflects exactly what The Salvation Army is about – supporting people, strengthening communities and creating opportunities."

Helena Dollimore MP said:

"It was great to see the Salvation Army buzzing with life again. The team here have put on an excellent event dedicated to helping local people into work. I want to thank everyone involved in organising it, and I would really encourage the Hastings community to take advantage of this fantastic new community hub and the services here."

The refurbished Hastings Citadel will now host a wide range of community activities and services, providing a welcoming hub for local residents and enabling The Salvation Army to continue supporting people across Hastings for many years to come

Weekly Employment Plus sessions in Hastings currently take place at The Salvation Army Hastings Temple at 498 London Road from 9.30am till 11.30am and all are welcome to attend.