Why Volunteer with a Citizens Advice?

All sorts of people volunteer for many different reasons. Whether you’re at school or retired, working or job hunting, there’s a rewarding role for you at a CAB.

Ten great reasons to volunteer:

• Make a difference
• It can be incredibly rewarding to contribute something non-financial to a cause you care about.
• Boost your confidence
• Trying something new and getting out of your comfort zone every now and then can do wonders for your confidence levels.  
• Do something interesting
• Don’t let your spare time trickle away – fill it doing something interesting and challenging.
• Meet new people
• Tired of doing the same things with the same group of friends? Widen your circle and horizons by meeting people you might not normally.
• Improve your prospects
• Having volunteering on your CV demonstrates that you’re someone with initiative and a rounded life. Nearly one third of the volunteers who leave the service each year go on into paid work.
• Get to know your community
• Whether you’ve lived in a town for 20 years or have just moved there as a student, you’ll develop a great feel for the people and the place at a CAB.
• Put your talents to use
• Use it or lose it! Got the gift of languages? Volunteer as an interpreter. A flair for design? Create reception displays. The possibilities are endless.
• Enjoy free training
• CAB trainee advisers can gain a national QCF Legal Advice qualification through their training, and other skills like PR, campaigning and administration can be learnt on the job in a supportive environment.
• Gain office-based work experience
• Get ahead of the competition for jobs and university places with some real life experience. Law students, for example, can knock 6 months off their training contract by volunteering as an adviser.
• We need you!
• Seventy five per cent of the people who work in the Citizens Advice service are volunteers, and we simply wouldn’t be here for our clients without them.

What our volunteers say

“The best thing about volunteering is the opportunity to meet very different clients with very different cases and very different attitudes! It’s not a routine procedure, it’s vibrant.” Farai Masekesa

“I volunteered because I have some skills and experience accumulated over many years that I wanted to offer to my community, and because I wanted to learn some new tricks.”Vic Leader

“I get a sense of being involved. I like being part of the bureau activities and keeping up with issues, and we have a laugh too.” Karin, Oxford CAB

“The training was extremely thorough. The support is fantastic from everyone in the bureau. I find being an adviser rewarding, stimulating, at times humbling, and very enjoyable.” Barbara, Rhyl CAB

"The Citizens Advice service challenges the social issues I feel passionate about. As a trustee I can help redress the imbalance of injustice" Azad

“It’s great being able to help people in so many different ways, being able to learn from and appreciate what others are experiencing, and there’s a real co-operative spirit in the bureau.” Michael, Tonbridge CAB

"Within a year of becoming a CAB volunteer adviser, I was employed as a Youth Advice Worker. This is my first paid job for a long time, and I know I wouldn't have had this opportunity otherwise." Amanda

“I have increased confidence, much more knowledge, lots of new friends and respect from my children.” Margaret, Havering CAB

"Being a CAB volunteer has helped me to see how a small active business runs and to experience working in a team in an office." Andrew WFCAB

“I wish I’d started 30 years ago! I’ve learned new skills, including computing. Volunteering with CAB keeps you involved with the real world.” Sheila, Witney and District CAB

How to contact us at Wyre Forest Citizens Advice

Phone: 01562 60194 ask for Kate Bennett

Email: bureau@wyreforestcab.org.uk

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