Sizewell C reaffirms commitment to Lowestoft with partnership with SAMS Café and Wellbeing Hub and Access Community Trust to help those in need find jobs

A power station project has reaffirmed its commitment to helping those in need find jobs in a coastal town.

An agreement between SAMS Wellbeing Hub and Café, in Lowestoft, and Sizewell C will help those ‘furthest from the jobs market’ find employment.

This will see the hub extend its provision for those in need in the town and be a base for it to grow awareness and access to jobs with Sizewell C.

The café, which is one of four social enterprises delivered by Access Community Trust, will receive funding support after Sizewell C announced plans to use the venue to enhance access.

Emma Ratzer MBE, CEO of Access Community Trust, said: “We’re pleased that Sizewell has chosen to support the growing community offering that the café and hub provides for those in need in Lowestoft.

“We look forward to working with their team to access employment and training opportunities for the communities we are working with.”

Since opening in 2015, SAMS café has given direct support to over 1,000 people and provided over 9,000 free meals to those in need.

It also delivered 6,000 community meals in the pandemic.

Tracey McFee, service manager at SAMS, said: “SAMS is, and has always been, about community.

“Not only is it a great café, it is also a safe space for anybody to seek guidance and support – which is non-judgemental and compassionate.

“Helping others in their time of need is vital and we work with many local partners to do just that.”

Lowestoft is one of the most deprived areas in Suffolk and the country.

SAMS is among the vital services offered in the town which help to combat social isolation and the continuing cost of living crisis.

Sarah Hancock, HR director at Sizewell C, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to play a part in enabling the vital services that Access Community Trust provides at SAMS café.

“Our focus is on ensuring that local people, especially those furthest from the workplace, can access the opportunities this brilliant project provides.”

Sizewell C and Access Communtity Trust began their partnership in 2020.

The power station project is creating thousands of jobs and training opportunities for the area, including 1,500 apprenticeships.

It will hold its latest community forum at 7pm on Wednesday, October 9, at High Lodge Leisure near Darsham, where residents can find out about the progress of the project.