Voluntary workers in Pembrokeshire have been benefiting from an Community Development Work project, supported by Objective One funding. The project has provided free accredited training and work based assessment to people working in community development work, mental health practice, early years care and education and health and social care. The project aims to offer improved employment opportunities for people trying to find a job but who lack current training and a recognised qualification. It also develops the skills and confidence of those working for community organisations to help them sustain their activities in the long term. To date, the project has provided accredited training to 93 people in Pembrokeshire. Among the groups benefiting have been the Mount Community Association, Bush and Park Tenants and Residents Association, Pembrokeshire Mind, Communities First (Monkton and Llanion) and West Wales Action for Mental Health. The project also worked in co-operation with key voluntary sector agencies such as PAVS in the planning and provision of the project. One of the people to have benefited from some of the training is Sue Rees, who has been a key figure in community development in Narberth for many years. As a publican at the town's Ivy Public House, she felt she had reached a crossroads and was eager to pursue a new career direction. Sue enrolled on the NVQ Community Development Work Award while serving as the Mayor of Narberth. She completed the course very quickly and went on to apply for a job as an NVQ assessor at Pembrokeshire College. Sue is now assessing for the college in a range of work settings. "The project enabled me to restart my life," she said, "I now have a whole new career." Samantha Canton enrolled on the NVQ Early Years Care and Education Award while working voluntarily at the Stepping Stones Day Nursery. She has now secured a job with the nursery and is progressing well with her qualification. Pete Irvine, co-ordinator of the project commented: "I'm very proud that the college has been able to recognise and reward the hard work and expertise of volunteers in Pembrokeshire. The project has given them a chance to gain a qualification that will enable them to move into paid work or further training."