A NEW economy hub has opened in Fishguard Library, helping people to improve their career prospects and manage their money better.

Called the Life Hub: Work and Money Skills, the Pembrokeshire County Council initiative provides space and resources where people can get advice and information on financial matters such as job seeking, careers and business start-ups – as well as welfare and debt advice.

It has been developed by the council in association with Jobcentre Plus and a £40,000 grant from the Welsh Government.

It is the second life hub to open in Pembrokeshire, with the first – based on health and well-being – opening in Pembroke Dock Library a year ago.

The Fishguard facility is supported by a range of organisations and features a private consulting room, three new computers, a digital projector and screen as well as new work areas for library staff.

County Councillor Elwyn Morse, Cabinet member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said: “By working with a whole range of partners, such as Careers Wales, the Citizens Advice Bureau, credit unions and others, we can bring top-quality information to those most in need of it.

“This is a fantastic new asset for Pembrokeshire and one which is being delivered at a time of immense financial pressure, which illustrates the Council's ambitions to deliver excellent services even in straitened times.”

The hub was launched on Thursday, February 11 by Marc Mordey, project manager for Alcohol Concern’s Communities Together project based in Fishguard and Goodwick.

He was welcomed by County Council Chairman, Cllr Wynne Evans, who said the transformation would enable the public, community groups and charities to use the hub in comfortable surroundings.