A CHRISTIAN job club in Troon has been a major success, with almost than a third who have signed up going into employment .

The Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Job Club was set up in Seagate Church by Pastor Richard Woods.

And groups across the country were featured in a special documentary screened on BBC2 on Friday night.

Richard said: “The group has been running for nearly three years. We started it because we wanted to help and see whether or not there was a need for it and it turns out there is. We have had 80 people and have helped about 25 people back into work. But more importantly it’s about helping people come out and interact with people. It’s a stepping stone for helping people to get their lives back together. We help then with challenging decisions by the Department of Work and Pensions and making sure people get the right benefits. This is a place of refuge where they can get help and support.”

People attending feel they have really benefited.

Club member David Adams from Troon was last working in November 2017.

He explained: “I was on a one-year probationary period and towards the end of that a plastic surgeon signed me off for a couple of weeks because of an injury and I went back for my probationary review. But they said they were not keeping me on because I hadn’t met their requirements.

“That was the extent of the explanation they gave. On the probationary period they can just sack you quite easily.

“I have been coming along to the club for 10 months. There was a notice for the club at the Job Centre and that’s how I came along. It helps you how to go about looking for a job, what should put in the cv and how to do an interview. I have done some volunteering. I’m ready to find a job. Being on benefits is stressful.

"The system is punitive and judgemental but you can say things here you wouldn’t say at a job centre due to the threat of sanctions hanging over you. It’s quite a supportive atmosphere here.”

Stephen Boyd of Troon has been at the club since July 2016.

He said: "My last job was as a waste water process engineer for a German company. I last worked in Livingston and then GE Caledonian Ltd in March 2014. For the past year I've been a volunteer at the John Pollock Centre in Ayr and I teach adult literacy. This has helped get me out of the house. Being in the Job Club gives me somewhere to come and have an opportunity to develop friendships as I don't have any brothers or sisters. It's all about building yourself up again."

Heather Carey, originally from New Cumnock and now based in Troon, feels the Job Club will help her.

She said: "I have an alcohol problem and recently lost my job. I had post natal depression after having a child and turned to alcohol. I am fighting to get my job back with support from Richard Woods. It's good to be in the Job Club, I have an opportunity to meet other people and chat to them."