Local recycling business Furniture Matters have announced they are offering free courses where you can learn a new skill such as fixing a washer, building a computer, warehousing, customer service and horticulture.

The courses will be delivered over eight weeks and people will just have to attend a three hour session each week – meaning it can be fit around people with childcare commitments too.

“We are trying to make a difference locally and whilst we know there are not many jobs out there and money is tight for everyone these courses will give people a skill they can use in their own homes,” explained Furniture Matters Chief Executive Alison Page, “perhaps fixing their own washers or looking after their own plants and repairing their own computer.

“Additionally, with warehousing and customer service these are skills you can take into a future job best of all you will meet new people and its totally free.”

Pedal Power, the Furniture Matters cycle project, are also running free cycle maintenance and repair training courses. People will have to commit to just two five hour sessions over alternate Saturdays to complete the course.

With warmer weather on its way it couldn’t be a better time to get the skills to keep your and your families cycles on the road.

All the courses are aimed at people living in the Lancaster district aged 18 to 65 who are currently not working. Courses will run inside Furniture Matters premises in Lancaster and Morecambe and start in April 2012 and places are limited so booking is essential.

• If you want to gain new skills, meet new people and just get out of the house and do something different please contact Furniture Matters on 01524 427300 or preferably email trainingATfurniturematters.org.uk with your name, contact details and they will send you more detailed information about their courses.