ITN newsreader Alastair Stewart is to open East Hampshire’s ‘New Directions’ event at Alton College next month.

Hosted by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds on Tuesday, April 11, and expected to attract people from across East Hampshire and the Surrey border, visitors to the free one-day event – that brings together employment, training and volunteering opportunities for the over-50s – will be able to hear from a wide range of speakers, including individuals who have changed direction, or taken on a new challenge, later in life.

Among those speaking on the day will be Four Marks woman and winner of Masterchef 2016 Jane Devonshire, who will talk about her experience of taking on the cookery challenge and how that success has led to new opportunities.

Other speakers will include representatives from organisations keen to offer opportunities to the over 50s.

Aspiral Learning will present information on how older people can access apprenticeships, Local Treasures are looking to expand their network of over-50s who provide a wide range of home help services to local residents, The PopUp Business School will guide people on how to set up new businesses, and Hampshire Constabulary will explain the voluntary roles available in the service.

With life expectancy rising and a forecast that by the middle of the 2030s people aged 50 or older will account for more than half of the country’s adult population, the Government had recently launched its Fuller Working Lives strategy to encourage people to extend their careers, and to encourage employers to increase the number of staff they employ aged over 50.

As Minister of State for Employment, Mr Hinds said he was “excited” to see the event come together.

“There are many older people who are looking for a new direction – whether it’s a new job, finding a training course to learn new skills, or spending time volunteering with a local charity,” he said.

“People in this age group often have a wealth of experience but may not know where to find the employers, training services or voluntary bodies that are able to help them put that experience to work.

“This event brings many of these local organisations together under one roof, making it easy for people from across the area to come and see a whole range of opportunities.”

The event is open from noon to 6pm and the talks will run parallel to a 50-strong offering by exhibitors representing local employers, training companies and voluntary organisations.

Employers exhibiting will include Sainsburys, Brendoncare, Elstead Lighting, Treloars, Radian, Barclays Bank, Tactical Solutions, Local Treasures, Voyage Care, Esdevium Games, Morgan Innovation & Technology, The Best Connection, Robert Simmons Solicitors, Tindle News, Absolute Healthcare Providers, G&B Electronic Designs, and HM Prison Service.

Training services exhibiting include National Careers Service, Inspiring Enterprise, M3 Job Club, PopUp Business School, Hill McManus, No Desire to Retire, Sintassi, Aspiral Learning (BCoT), U3A, Abilities, Jon Morrissey, Alton College Adult Education, and Hampshire Library Services.

Voluntary organisations exhibiting include Citizens Advice, Energy Alton, Men’s Shed, Hampshire Constabulary, HomeStart Wey-Water, Rotary Club, Dementia Friendly Alton, Cardiac Rehab, Deadwater Valley Trust, Furniture Helpline, Alzheimer’s Society, Lions Club of Alton, Alton Community Care, and Hampshire Search and Rescue.

For more details or to register, visit newdirectionsalton.eventbrite.co.uk.