The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Free seminar has potential to change life
The pandemic, and all the problems that h av e come with it, have posed personal and economic challenges for all of us, but there are still opportunities and reasons to stay positive.
That is the message from north- east mental health awareness group Make Minds Matter.
It is hosting an online careers event called Unlock Your Potential next month, featuring guest speakers and advice about applying for jobs and how people can maximise their chances of securing employment.
The free event aims to help anyone who has been made redundant during the lockdown, is working fewer hours or has been furloughed.
The afternoon-long event is also for anyone who is simply looking for an exciting new opportunity or change of career.
The virtual seminar will take place via the Make Minds Matter Facebook page on November 7, from 1-5pm, and will be hosted by the group’s co-founders Abi Clarke and Brett Townsley.
Mrs Clarke highlighted the importance of events such as this during these difficult times as the pandemic brings with it serious economic concerns for many, which can have a knock-on effect on mental health.
She said the virtual careers event would feature guest speakers, recruiters and employers and discuss opportunities in the northeast and why people should apply for them.
The speakers will also discuss what employers look for when considering an application, and some of the types of jobs available.
Mrs Clarke said: “We’ll have speakers from local business and non- profit organisations discussing a variety of topics. We’ ll discuss CVs and interviews and how to improve upon interview skills.”
The event will also look at how people can improve their online presence for potential employers by setting up a profile with career networking site LinkedIn.
It will also explore volunteering opportunities with non-profit organisations which, as well as bringing rewards in their own right, can be a great stepping stone to paid employment.
Mrs Clarke said: “We’ll also have an opportunity for a number of individuals to pre-record a video about themselves and why a business should employ them; it’s like a CV, but visual.
“This is a support community, and there are opportunities out there whether in a business or non-profit organisation.
“These are challenging times but we want people to know that they can still have a career in front of them and to stay positive.”
Co-founder Brett Townsley added: “This is a chance to help those in our community that have suffered through the effects and impacts of the shared trauma that is Covid-19, and hopefully provide much-needed opportunities to repair and rebuild lives through employment.”
To take part in the event, people should ensure they have “liked” the Make Minds Matter Facebook page.
For more information, email makemindsmatter aberdeen@gmail.com