Volunteering as a CAB Adviser

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a volunteer adviser in a Citizens Advice Bureau? Often the CAB is the only place people can turn to about trouble with social security, or at work, or with debt.

If you have come in with a problem - and that's how a lot of our volunteers first find out about the Service - you'll know clients aren't just handed a file! Advisers access complex information and explain it. They offer their clients as much support as they need. They spot if the problem is caused by poor policy or service, and work to get improvements made. Whatever the trouble, they always aim to make a difference.

Every year 4,000 people are trained as CAB advisers, winning new skills and confidence. How do we choose our advisers? We don't ask for special qualifications, because everyone is fully trained by the CAB Service. We want people who are good listeners and are open minded. You need to be able to work well with clients, and do basic maths. We serve the whole community and so we need people with language skills who understand different local cultures. We welcome people with disabilities.

There are other ways to volunteer as well. If you have computer skills or clerical skills, or want to learn them, your help would be invaluable. Every CAB is a charity: if you join the management committee you can steer and support our work and funding. Some volunteers come along to help with CAB media and social policy work.

We look for people who enjoy working in a team. Age needn't matter. Do you have time to spare for the first time following retirement? Maybe you are unemployed, or want to return to work now that the children are at school: CAB experience can lead to paid employment.

Yes, advice work is a challenge - but it is also one of the most rewarding ways to volunteer.

For further details contact the Jersey Citizens Advice Bureau.

Francis Le Gresley
Bureau Manager
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Annexe
St Paul's Community Centre
New Street
St Helier
Jersey
JE2 3WP