PEOPLE on benefits are to be encouraged to become involved in community projects at a free event in Taunton.
Prospects, which works with the long-term unemployed, has joined with job centres in Taunton, Bridgwater and Minehead for the Spring Forward session.
A spokesman said: "To help people rebuild their lives we need to help them find a sense of purpose.
"Spring Forward is a great way to start, bringing together jobseekers and their families with more than 20 different community projects.
"There is clear evidence that work is beneficial, and a great first step is getting involved in your local community.
"You will benefit by making new friends, improving your employability and people skills, securing valuable experience to impress a future employer and, most importantly, gaining a sense of purpose, improving your mental and physical health and long term life chances."
Spring Forward is at The Lawns, Mary Street, Taunton, on Tuesday, March 1, from 10am to 12noon.
Among organisations involved are St John Ambulance, Somerset Skills and Learning, Taunton Football Club, the Model Railway, Lifeboats, Bugfest, Scope, Walk Well, Knit & Knatter, the Princes Trust, Kingston Exotics, Minehead Fishing Club, Bridgwater & Taunton Waterways, Caledonian Dancing Group, British Heart Foundation, a Bridgwater carnival club and a self-defence club.
If you would like to attend or to find out more about getting involved contact tim.curtis@prospects.co.uk
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