LOCAL churches have teamed up with charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) to offer a free life skills course in Weymouth.

Starting this Thursday and running for eight-weeks, the course gives people the confidence and decision-making skills to live well, look after themselves and feel positive, even on a low income.

CAP Life Skills Manager, Jackie Dukes, who will be running the course with a team of volunteers, said: “It’s a series of friendly, relaxed sessions. We’ll be looking at lifting the pressure to spend and sharing some great practical tips to help us take control of our money and make it go further.

“We’ll also be doing a big section on making good food so we can stay healthy on a budget. Towards the end of the course, we’ll spend some time on making good relationships – as these have had a big impact on how we treat our finances."

CAP Life Skills is a free, eight-week course that brings people together to learn:

*How to deal with the pressure to spend

*How to decide where your money should be going

*Cooking cheap but healthy meals

*Spotting a good deal

*Improving relationships

Christians Against Poverty is a charity that gives free help to everyone regardless of age, gender, faith or background. Starting 25 years ago, it first offered debt counselling and now offers a range of help to tens of thousands of people in hardship across the UK every year.

The course starts on Thursday, September 23 with lunch and then every Thursday 10.30am-1.30pm at St Mary’s Church in Weymouth town centre. A free lunch will be provided and pre-school child care is available. Booking is essential as places are limited.

To find out more about Life Skills or to book onto the course call Jackie on 07857 927190 or find details on St Mary’s Church, Weymouth Facebook page.