Citizens Advice Swindon is Looking for Volunteers

By increasing the hours and availability of its phone service the bureau is hoping to help those people who find it difficult to access offices in person perhaps because of a disability, caring responsibilities or work commitments. 

 

Claire Newport, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Swindon said “We know demand for our telephone service is rising as people need more flexible ways to access the advice they need and we want to increase the availability of our current Adviceline. We also see it as a new volunteering opportunity for people who see their skills as better suited to helping people over the phone. It's an exciting role which could see you helping a range of people with a diverse range of enquires from debt and housing to employment and benefits issues.”

 

A telephone adviser will need excellent listening and questioning skills to allow the caller to fully explain their problem. They will be asked to find, interpret and explain relevant information to help the callers take the next steps towards a solution. The bureau is looking for volunteers who can commit to giving time each week to help their local community. 

 

Claire continued “Our aim is to open the Advice line Monday-Friday between 10am and 4pm so there is flexibility for volunteers to find hours that suit them, all we ask is for a weekly commitment. To help us reach this target to expand we need to recruit new volunteers for our September training programme. Full training and support is given throughout a volunteer's time with the bureau.”

 

To find out more or request an application pack you can call 01793 402106,

email [email protected] or download an application form from www.citizensadviceswindon.org.uk