The latest news and updates that our employment support team think you need to know about:

1. Volunteering in Portsmouth get a boost as Arts Council England awarded Portsmouth City Council’s libraries £130,000 from the Volunteering Futures Fund.
   The project will increase volunteering opportunities for young people and people who experience barriers to accessing volunteering, it will particularly concentrate on providing volunteering opportunities for people with disabilities. 
2. At a time of record resignations, employee retention is more important than ever, Deal Makerz has 6 useful tips to help you with employee retention. 
3. Abri have 2 upcoming courses for aspiring apprentices or those who would like to start their own business:
   1. Abri Apprenticeship Recruitment Evening - Southampton - Mon 16 May 2022 at 17:00
   2. Abri's 'Create' Free Self Employment Training Course - Online - Mon 9 May 2022 at 09:30
4. If you're looking to start up a new business, Outset Start can offer fully funded help and support.
5. Information on recent Government changes to employment support benefits 
   1. A detailed guide to New Style Employment and Support Allowance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
   2. Universal Credit work allowances - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
6. A man from North Yorkshire has spent months standing in cities across the north of England holding signs encouraging people to talk about their mental health. 
7. The city of Portsmouth is reporting a jobs boom with even more people in employment. 
8. A Fareham business owner with ADHD is offering his expertise to help and support other neurodiverse entrepreneurs to boost their careers.

Remember, if you've not been working because of your illness, or you're employed but feel like you are struggling at work, our Employment Support Service can help.

Read more articles from the Employment Support Service