AN unemployment centre in Colchester’s Greenstead estate has been overwhelmed by visitors and is appealing for volunteers to help out.

The number of new visitors coming to the Signpost resource centre at Greenstead Library, in Hawthorn Avenue, has risen by 41 per in the past six months.

The resource centre provides people looking for work with a range of facilities, including free internet and phone use, and helps them produce CVs and find work.

The centre is in desperate need of new volunteers after the unprecedented surge in people made redundant or out of work because of the recession. Alf Mullins, manager of the Greenstead centre, said the volunteering opportunities available would be ideal for people with little employment history looking for something to put on their CV.

He said: “We are way up on last year in terms of people coming into the centre.

“We had more than 550 visitors to the centre in June alone, which is 200 more than we have ever had in one month.

“We are looking for volunteers who are able to talk to people from all walks of life, to help us give people advice on CVs and applying for jobs.

“It would be ideal for people who have perhaps been out of the jobs market for a while, maybe mothers who have been bringing up children, as we can give them a reference and they will gain valuable experience.”

Mr Mullins said people with IT skills would be ideal, but full training would be provided.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call the centre on 01206 861800.