Why volunteer?

People volunteer at Citizens Advice Swale for many different reasons.

Our volunteers range from retired people to young parents, university students, part time workers and job hunters.

In the last year Citizens Advice Swale recruited volunteers to train as Gateway Assessors, Receptionists and Administration support.

Here are some of the reasons our volunteers have given as to why they chose to join us:

To make a difference

It can be incredibly rewarding to help the local community in Swale. Some of our advisers were previously clients who were impressed by the service they received and wanted to be able to do the same for others.

To boost their confidence

Volunteering is a great way to gain confidence. The training enables volunteers to increase their skills in a supportive environment. Many of our volunteers have been out of the workplace for a number of years and have said how their experience has been invaluable when attending interviews for paid work.

To meet new people

Volunteering is a great way to make new friends. We have often had volunteers who have recently moved to Swale, and by working as part of a team have quickly made new friends.

To improve their prospects

Volunteering for the Citizens Advice improves employability and a high proportion of our volunteers who leave us each year go on into paid work. Our Law students find that volunteering increases their chances of gaining a training contract as well as invaluable experience of dealing with client enquiries

Training

Citizens Advice Swale trainee advisers undertake a self study training programme while at the same time gaining hands on experience in the bureau, as well as participating in further training courses.

What our volunteers say:

Thanks for all the help you’ve given me, it’s been a great experience and I wouldn’t have the job I have now without the experience the CAB has given to me Volunteer Adviser Faversham

My short time at the CAB was extremely interesting. Everybody was very supportive and professional. I would love to return another time Trainee Gateway Assessor Sheppey

I have a new temporary job! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your help and support. I have learnt a lot from my time at CAB Volunteer Adviser Faversham

Volunteering means that I can utilise my experience for the benefit of the community, and gives me satisfaction of being able to contribute Volunteer Adviser Sittingbourne