New ‘Careers Café’ to open in Grimsby’s Freshney Place

Located next to Trespass and opposite Next, the café is a joint venture between Taking Action Raising Grimsby’s Emerging Talents (TARGET NEL CIC) and North East Lincolnshire Council’s Adults Careers Team. The space has been designed to bring career support directly into the heart of the town centre, making it easier for people to drop in and get the help they need.

Once open, the café will host TARGET NEL’s training programmes alongside free sessions from the Adults Careers Team. Support is also on offer from different services including the Young People's Support Service, Lincs Inspire, Franklin College’s Adult Learning provision and Centre4, giving residents the chance to explore the different opportunities on their doorstep. 

The transformation of the unit from an empty shop into a warm, welcoming space has been made possible thanks to GMI Construction Group, who are also leading on the wider regeneration of Freshney Place.  

TARGET are a community interest company that offer training, education and employment support for all ages. By combining lived and professional experience, their approach promotes community development, long-term employment and personal growth.

Founder and Managing Director, Joanne Lord, spoke about the upcoming opening of the Careers Café, saying: “The opening of the Careers Café marks a powerful step forward in our mission to empower people with lived experience and create meaningful pathways into employment.

“This partnership with the Adult Careers Team is built on shared goals to reduce barriers and prioritise wellbeing alongside promoting long-term employment. The Careers Café will be a space where those values come to life, offering practical and emotional support in a welcoming environment for anyone looking to take their next step.”

The Adult Careers Team support those 19+ by providing impartial, personalised guidance to anyone looking to get into work, change careers, or access training. The team supports individuals with CV writing, interview preparation, confidence building, and navigating local opportunities.

Wendy Trask, Operations Manager for Employability at North East Lincolnshire Council, added: “Our team is dedicated to providing tailored information, advice, and guidance to anyone who needs it, whether that’s helping someone find the right training opportunity or connecting them with one of our expert advisors.

“This exciting new partnership with TARGET NEL, who we already collaborate with through the delivery of careerShift, brings us one step closer to reaching even more residents across North East Lincolnshire. It truly is a group effort, ensuring that everyone gets the support that’s right for them, exactly when they need it.”

Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy, Devolution and Skills, said: “The Careers Café is a fantastic addition to Grimsby town centre, offering residents easy access to high-quality careers and training support in a friendly, welcoming environment. It’s a great example of how we’re working together with partners like TARGET NEL CIC and GMI Construction to regenerate our town centre not just as a retail destination, but as a hub for opportunity and community development.

“I encourage anyone who’s thinking about upskilling, retraining, or exploring new career paths to visit the Careers Café and take advantage of the support available.”

For more information about TARGET NEL and their programmes, visit https://targetnel.co.uk or email jlord@targetgy.co.uk.

For general careers advice and support, contact North East Lincolnshire Council’s Adult Careers Team at iag-nel@nelincs.gov.uk or call 01472 323540.