Firstly I would sign with agencies to get some temp work, you might get lucky and get a few months. Also if you are with the jobcente you should use their resources, ask your adviser for a professional CV to be done that you heard you could go to a training centre for one (this is free, JCP pay for it ) that will really boost your chances, first impression is your CV, shit CV it gets binned, good CV can pretty much get you the job if you have a brain and good at interview. Also use jobcentreplus website for daily job updates in the area, apply to everything, and also ask for local websites I would help but I don't know about gloucestershire. Also ask for best days to get which papers, they all have different days for job adverts but I find they are generally shit.
I worked for a training centre for 4 months and it was my job to work for department for work and pensions and get people jobs so feel free to ask for help if you want anything. If i had the time I would offer to do your CV myself but I dont with work and I'm moving so
i'm in the same position, been unemployed since 5th feb. applied for 30+ jobs and still no luck, signed up with 5+ temping agencies no luck. finally had to give in and sign on this monday, felt horrible tbh.
i have a first class degree in illustration, have been employed since i turned 15 and was a manager at my last job for nearly 4 years. i'm 23. i can't see why i'm struggling so much in all honesty. might go for that professional CV thing you suggested mikah though i thought mine was decent enough, but the lack of job offers might be proving me wrong!