Advice
Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire is Seeking New Volunteers!
T
he advice that Citizens Advice gives can help to change lives. Since March this year, a large number of the volunteers working at Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire have switched seamlessly to home-working, so the organisation is now looking to recruit more volunteers from all over the area.
role. Volunteers need: an ability to understand information; a good level of literacy and numeracy; to be good at listening and enjoy helping people; to be open-minded and not judge clients; and to be familiar with using keyboard skills and searching the internet. We would welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.
In the past year, the interest from people in Bourne and the Deepings has been particularly good, and Training Officer, Megan Millar is hoping this trend will continue.
Further information is available on our website at www.citizensadvicesouthlincs.org.uk where there is also an application form. We are recruiting in August and September, with a view to starting training in October. If anyone has six hours a week available and wants the chance to contribute to such an important local service, we look forward to hearing from you.”
The number of enquiries is approaching the level seen prior to lockdown, when there were more volunteers available. The current team have upped their hours to satisfy the current demand and look forward to new volunteers joining. Megan has devised a comprehensive online training programme for new volunteers, which will give them the skills they need to help people deal with their problems and deliver a high-quality service. Although face-to-face advice is not being offered at the moment, volunteers will work on the telephone, or via e-mail and webchat, from their own homes. Other roles available include research and campaign workers and Trustees, as well as advisors. Supervision and support for volunteers is available every day, with two staff on duty at all times. Megan said, “You don’t need any specific qualifications or experience to train for the
BOURNE
Wake House, 41 North Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9AE Opening times: Thursday 10:00am – 3:00pm
MARKET DEEPING
The New Community Centre, Douglas Road, Market Deeping PE6 8PA Opening times: Wednesday 10:00am – 3:00pm
DEEPING ST. JAMES
The Institute, 38 Church Street, Deeping St James PE6 8HD Opening times: Fortnightly by appointment, referrals after initial assessment at Market Deeping
www.citizensadvicesouthlincs.org.uk 68
Bourne
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