A Bolton society is set to launch a Lunch Job Club for deaf people.

Bolton Deaf Society is launching a Lunch Job Club for D/deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing people on Thursday from noon to 2pm, with the idea to help deaf people find work.

As well as helping D/deaf people with their work search, the employment and enterprise coaches want to hear from employers who can offer support in the form of work experience or job placements.

Bolton Deaf Society offers training in deaf awareness and will support their clients with any access needs they may have to get over the initial application process.  

Ruth Malkin, one of the employment and enterprise advisors based at Bolton Deaf Society, on Bark Street, who is herself deaf, said: “There are lots of barriers that stop D/deaf people getting work.

“They can’t necessarily phone for an application form or an informal chat about the job, and if their first language is BSL they may struggle to complete an application form.

“We are here to help the D/deaf community get round the barriers that are stopping them from working.”

Ruth’s colleague, Michael Stead, who is also deaf, said: “The Job Club is just one of the services offered to deaf people through the new Employment and Enterprise Service.

“We are looking for Deaf people who want to set up their own business, so we can help with initial business registration and planning.”

The Job Club started this week and will run every Thursday for the rest of the year.

It will take place at the society’s Bark Street Headquarters (BL1 2AX), in the computer room.

Deaf people will get help with making phone calls, building their CV, completing application forms and getting ready for interviews.

They will also have access to the other services that Bolton Deaf Centre offers, such as advocacy, training and social events.  

Deaf people can just turn up on the day to take part in the Job Club.

If they want more information first they can contact Ruth or Michael via email on eea1@boltondeafsociety.co.uk or eea2@boltondeafsociety.co.uk or text 07543221800. 

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