Who do I ask for a reference after a layoff? - any advice?

I worry a reference will only confirm dates of employment. Any experience at all would help. A colleague offered to vouch for me. Is a client acceptable?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

A client reference worked well for me. It shows you deliver outside the company too.