THE New Directions event will return to Alton College next month,

bringing together employment, training and volunteering opportunities for the over-50s.

Hosted by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds on October 26, the event will be open from 11am-4pm for those looking for a job, new skills or just the opportunity to offer their time to help a local cause.

Open to people aged over 50 living from across East Hampshire, the event is free to enter and visitors will be able to meet and talk to a wide range of local organisations keen to put their skills to work in a new direction.

Employers exhibiting are to include Laleham, Whitman Laboratories, Elstead Lighting, Robert Simmons Solicitors, G+B Electronics, Morgan Innovation & Technology, Bushy Leaze, South Central Ambulance Service, HMP Send, Be-healthier, Hampshire County Council, Mencap, Bramshott Care, Angel Call Handling, Mayfair Care, Treloars College, and Veolia.

Training Services exhibiting will include Radian, Hill McManus, DOTS Service, Ensurety, The Training Room, M3 Job Club, Future Skills Centre, Community First, Aspiral Learning, and the National Careers Service.

Voluntary organisations exhibiting with include Citizens Advice, Energy Alton, Home-Start, Mens Shed, Community First, Alton Society, Dementia Friendly Alton, Wey Valley Radio, Rotary Club of Alton, Alton Local Food Initiative, Alton U3A, Kingsley Organisation, Hampshire Fire and Rescue, Alton Beer Festival, Four Marks and Medstead Rotary, and The Alton Lions.

There will also be a series of talks and workshops running alongside the main exhibition.

The event will be opened at 11am with a welcome address by Damian Hinds.

Talks will follow:

• 11.30am - ‘Overcoming barriers’ by Tom Yendell

• 11.50am  - ‘Your community needs you’ by Sue Dell and Community First

• 12.10pm - ‘It’s never too late to learn’ by Aspiral Learning and Future Skills Centre

• 12.30pm – Workshop on how to write a CV and apply for jobs online by Google

• 14.30pm – Workshop on Scam Prevention by Nat West

Mr Hinds will also be running a free Dementia Friends information session between 1pm and 2pm, for anyone keen to find out more about dementia and how to help those living with the condition.

Throughout the day RHL charity will be offering free health checks throughout the event, and Alton WI will be serving refreshments, raising money for local charity.

Free transport will be available via mini-bus from both Petersfield and Bordon:

• 10.30am pick up outside Winton House, Petersfield

• 10.30am pick up outside Forest Community Centre, Bordon

• 1.30pm and 3.30pm pick up at Alton College, returning to Bordon and then Petersfield

For more details and advance registration, visit [email protected].