Room for Work

19/08/2026

Opening Doors to New Opportunities for Over-40s in Guildford

We're delighted that Guildford Philanthropy is supporting Room for Work with funding for a 12-session programme for job seekers in Guildford, running from September to December 2026.
Room for Work specialises in helping people aged 40+ who have been frozen out of the job market due to ageism, as well as long-term unemployed people, single parents returning to work, people claiming benefits, migrants seeking their first UK role, and those returning to employment after caring responsibilities. The charity has particular expertise in supporting older, skilled workers, including managers and professionals.

Through this programme, participants will gain the skills, confidence and motivation needed to return to sustainable employment, training or self-employment.

"Room for Work supports older job seekers in their efforts to return to work, no matter how long they have been absent from employment. Every course participant will improve their confidence and motivation. Many will find the job they want."
Robin Bell, Programme Leader.

Guildford Philanthropy is one of the area funds managed by Community Foundation for Surrey. These funds bring together donations from local individuals, families and businesses, with funding decisions guided by volunteer panels made up of people from the communities they serve.

Find out more about Room for Work: https://roomforwork.org/

17/06/2026

This week, the current Room for Work candidate group in Richmond upon Thames has been exploring how social media can be used as a powerful tool in the job search process.
Participants have been learning how to build a professional online presence, expand their networks, engage with employers, and showcase their skills and experience through platforms such as LinkedIn. We have also been discussing the importance of creating and sharing relevant content to remain visible to recruiters and hiring managers.
In addition, the group has been looking at a range of new tools and technologies that can help job seekers create and schedule content more efficiently, making it easier to post regularly and maintain a consistent professional profile online.
Developing these digital skills is becoming increasingly important in today's job market, and it has been encouraging to see candidates embracing new approaches to strengthen their employment prospects.

20/04/2026

Free Career Development Course For Elmbridge Borough Residents

Our FREE Room for Work course in Walton on Thames for ALL Elmbridge residents is almost FULL! We have just 3 spaces left, read some more below on what the course is all about and kickstart your career in 2026
A question we get asked quite a lot at Room for Work is what will I learn? Who pays for the course?

Well here is a slice of what you’ll learn:
* Current job search methods and ways to find "hidden jobs"
* How to write an effective CV for the job you want
* How to use social media, especially LinkedIn, to find work and promote yourself
* Speaking skills that will sell your experience and capabilities
* How to analyse and activate your network
* How to master competency-based interviews
* Self-employment options that work
*The course is paid for by the Walton Charity

We don’t just have one presenter, during the course you’ll meet other presenters who have a wealth of experience and knowledge and want to share with you . We are starting to fill up our new Walton upon Thames course already , so be quick and register now at roomforwork.org.

This new Walton on Thames course starts on Wednesday 22nd April 2026. The course is FREE to local residents in the borough of Elmbridge. If you think this course could help you if you’re unemployed then look us up at roomforwork.org

11/04/2026

Everyone is talking about Room for Work

Yes in Richmond and Hampton even the local authority is talking about Room for Work and the success it has with unemployed people in the Richmond upon Thames and Hampton area. Delivering its award winning 12 part career development course and how it helps candidates get back on their feet and into work. From April two new courses start in Richmond town centre and Hampton (near the station) If you want to be part of the success have a read of what Richmond Local authority think.

Find out about career sessions running from April to July 2026.

09/04/2026

Ageism in the workplace is real — but so is the support available to tackle it.

The South West Londoner has featured the work we do at Room for Work, shining a light on how our free 12-session course is helping people over 40 get back into employment with confidence.

If you are unemployed and looking for practical, no-nonsense support with your job search - or you know someone who is - this is worth a read.

https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/news/17022026-free-career-classes-helping-fight-ageism

A South West London charity offers free career support programmes, helping those over 40 return to work or embrace a new career.

08/04/2026

Are you unemployed and ready to get back to work?

Our new 12 part Walton on Thames course starts Wednesday 22nd April 2026 - and places are already filling up.

So what happens at a Room for work course?
Here's a taste of what you'll cover:

→ Current job search methods, including how to find the 'hidden jobs' that never get advertised
→ Writing a CV that actually works for the role you want
→ Using LinkedIn and social media to raise your profile and find opportunities
→ Speaking skills that will sell your experience with confidence
→ How to analyse and activate your professional network
→ Mastering competency-based interviews
→ Exploring self-employment options that are realistic and achievable

You'll hear from multiple presenters throughout the course - each bringing real-world expertise and a genuine desire to help you move forward.

The course is completely FREE to residents in the borough of Elmbridge.

Don't wait - register now at roomforwork.org

Get the job you want with Room for Work Unlock your full potential with our free course “Room for Work provided me with all the tools I neededto get back into the workplacewith confidence and renewed energy. “David K If you have just been made redundant, have been searching for some time, or you...