BOROUGH and county councillors visited the Advice Store in Basildon Town Centre to celebrate the successful partnership between ACL Essex and Basildon's Advice Store.

ACL Essex is the largest adult education provider in Essex. They offer a huge range of flexible courses that are delivered online, via distance learning and in classrooms, to help local people flourish. They offer taster sessions, flexible learning courses, apprenticeship opportunities and information on financial wellbeing. 

Adult education provider, ACL Essex part of Essex County Council, moved into the Advice Store in September to provide bespoke, targeted employment support for local people. Since coming to The Advice Store, ACL Essex has worked with other partners to support residents find new careers in health, social care and a range of other sectors.  

Collaborative working is a key part of the Advice Store's success, referring between partners to provide the best service for residents and finding a suitable outcome for their needs. Recently Advice Store provider Signpost referred 7 Ukrainian refugees to ACL to take up an ESOL course as a progression of their integrating to life in the UK. A presence at the Advice Store gives ACL a place in the town centre to engage with residents in-person one-to-one about upskilling.

Recently councillors from both Basildon Council and Essex County Council visited the Advice Store to formally recognise the partnership and celebrate its success.

Cllr Anthony Hedley, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Business Engagement said "The Advice Store is a fantastic asset for our borough, hosting a range of successful providers to create one point of call for residents.

"The Advice store has many great resources available to help people of the borough gain new skills and employment opportunities. Head down to the store and meet with our partners, explore your situation and learn more about options to improve your employability."

Loretta Wiltshire, ACL's Business Development Lead said "ACL are delighted to be based within the Advice store, it will enable us to engage with residents to support with apprenticeships, skills and being able to work in partnerships with Basildon Council."

Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council's Cabinet Member for Education Excellence and Skills said "This is a great opportunity for the residents of Basildon. ACL Essex opens doors for people and changes lives, so giving residents easy access to the help and support that ACL offers, alongside partner services is excellent."

Find out how the Advice Store and ACL can help you. Visit the team in store at 5 Market Pavement, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1DD from 10am to 4pm Monday to Thursday. Alternatively, you can visit their website www.basildon.gov.uk/theadvicestore