Citizens Advice celebrates its volunteers for their vital support during the cost-of-living crisis
Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck has received a huge number of enquiries from local people struggling to stay on top of household bills as the cost-of-living crisis continues to make life incredibly difficult. The national charity has helped a record 94,000 people with food bank referrals and access to emergency charitable grants in the first four months of this year. That’s a 178% increase on the same period in 2020.
Thanks to the tireless dedication of its volunteers and staff, the local charity has continued to give essential advice and crisis support to help people find a way forward.
In the last year, Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck has helped over 11,000 people with over 39,000 problems, including debt advice, housing, benefits and employment issues.
Now, as part of Volunteers’ Week from June 1 to 7, Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck is taking the time to highlight the incredible work its volunteers do. And, thank them for their exceptional contribution to the charity and community at large.
Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck has over 40 volunteers who contribute over 270 hours each week.
Linda Cowling, Volunteer Adviser at Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck said:
“I have had the pleasure of working as a volunteer Citizens Advice Adviser for nearly five years now and not only has it been educational and motivational for me personally, it has also been a rewarding experience helping the general public.”
“Although challenges exist, especially with the more vulnerable client, there is nothing more satisfying than a positive outcome to their worrying concerns.”
Helen Goldsack, Chief Officer, Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, said:
“We’re forever grateful to our wonderful team of volunteers who willingly give up their time and skills to ensure people in East Dorset & Purbeck can get the support they need.
“I’m particularly proud of the dedication they’ve shown during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, when demand for our help is so high. “Their hard work, dedication and commitment is incredible. We simply couldn’t do it without them.”
“As a thank you, we are holding a picnic for everyone. It’s an opportunity for the staff and volunteers to get together and for us as an organisation to show our appreciation of their hard work and commitment.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering with Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck contact [email protected] No experience is required, full training and support is provided for volunteer roles. For more information about the types of roles we offer visit our website www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/volunteer
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