Volunteer appeal to help people in need of advice

An appeal has been launched for new volunteers to join a team helping South Holland people solve their problems.

Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire, which came into being last year with the merger of South Kesteven and South Holland’s advice bureaux, is looking for people all of ages to help out in its Spalding and Grantham offices.
Successful applicants will join a team of more than 100 staff and volunteers who help an increasing number of clients by exploring their problems, prioritising actions, identifying next steps, and directing them to the most relevant service.
Problems can range from debt and benefit issues, through to consumer and relationship queries.
Both offices, plus outreach services in Holbeach, Long Sutton, and Sutton Bridge, are extremely busy, and volunteers are needed for roles ranging from reception and administration, Gateway assessors and advisors.
The Gateway process is a structured set of questions aimed at summarising a client’s issues as quickly as possible.
Volunteers will get a chance to sample the Citizens Advice experience, to train as a receptionist, or to shadow or observe roles and training will be provided for those who go on to take up a volunteer position.
To provide potential volunteers with more details of the various vacancies, and introduce them to the services offered by Citizens Advice, open days will be held between 10am and noon on January 28 or March 7 in the Citizens Advice offices in Priory Road, Spalding.
Existing staff and volunteers will be on hand throughout this informal event to share their experiences and give insights into training for these highly rewarding roles.
“The close network of volunteers are the lifeblood of the organisation” said Chief Officer Lisa Barwell. “Everyone’s contribution, if only for the minimum of six hours per week, makes a real difference to people who have encountered problems in their lives across a wide range of issues.”
As a first step, all interested applicants should email Training Officer Megan Millar on training@shcab.cabnet.org.uk; or phone her on 01775 766 668 giving brief details of their experience and reasons for applying.