Volunteers needed for new service

Having just launched a new style of service at the outreach service in Bourne, Citizens Advice is looking to increase the number of volunteers there, and at the main office in Spalding.

The new service is called Initial Check, it lasts just a few minutes, and allows people who drop in to talk through their issue in order to assess very quickly whether they can seek further help themselves, whether they can be signposted to another organisation with specialist skills, or whether the best option is for the Citizens Advice team to help with their own specialist advice.

In Bourne the service is operating alongside traditional face-to-face advice, and has transformed the number of people who can be seen during opening hours.

Citizens Advice has for the past two years been expanding the number of ways in which clients can access the service, by greater emphasis on e-mail, webchat and telephone channels, in addition to the traditional face-to-face service.

This means that volunteer positions available might include administration, reception, training, marketing, research and campaigns, and as trustees, which makes the potential for joining the team very varied and exciting.

“We had a very successful year in 2017-18, where the value of our volunteers leapt from £581,467 to £783,162, ” said Megan Millar, training officer.

“And now, having introduced Initial Check, we are looking to fill specific roles in both Spalding and Bourne. If anyone is able to volunteer for six hours a week, and is interested in getting involved, we would be delighted to hear from them.

“People are surprised when they hear about the range of volunteer roles available and we can always find a role that is suitable for each individual’s range of skills and experience.”

A description of all roles is given at www.citizensadvicesouthlincs.org.uk.

You can find out more by e-mailing: trainingofficer@citizendsadvicesouthlincs.org.uk

Any Polish or Russian speakers are particularly welcome, to support the migrant worker helpline based in Spalding.

Interviews will be held in August for a September intake.