Volunteer With Us

 Here are some client quotes to prove what a difference our volunteers really do make to people’s lives..

“Everyone was so helpful, especially those who took on our problems. They were superb”
“Amazing and understanding staff. I wasn't made to feel embarrassed asking for advice and help. They all made me feel really at ease the whole time.”
“Absolutely delighted with the help from both advisors. Thank you so much for being so kind to me.”
“Wonderful, kind, helpful staff.”
“Absolutely caring service”
“Excellent provider of information able to put me in touch with colleagues who had specific knowledge and experience in the necessary fields."
"Cannot recommend the establishment highly enough."
"Sincerely grateful for the information and service you have provided.”
“The person I spoke to was very helpful and good at explaining the help.”
“I found everyone I spoke to, to be kind and courteous and at pains to help, from the initial volunteers to the dedicated experts.”
“I was overwhelmed with how helpful and caring the two ladies were at the Wareham office.”
“Citizens Advice have been a fantastic help to myself and my family.”
“Thank you truly for all your help and your ongoing help. Without you, I’m not sure how we could have managed.”
“Wimborne and Wareham Citizens Advice helped me solve my issues and I will be eternally grateful.”
“The volunteers spent a lot of time on my problem both in person and behind the scenes.”
“There was excellent follow up and their knowledge and kindness were invaluable.”
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We are a local charity and our work would not be possible without our fantastic volunteers to keep our service running.

Read Our Volunteer Adviser Training Experience

Virtual Recruitment Information Session – Friday 22nd October, 10.30-12pm

We are currently looking for volunteer Adviceline Telephone Assessors and Receptionists. Find out more at our virtual Recruitment Information Session. Contact [email protected] for more information or call 01202 817121.

Roles for Volunteers

Adviceline Telephone Assessors

Adviceline is our Dorset-wide telephone service. As an assessor you will answer calls from the public on a wide variety of topics (see below). You will explore the client’s situation and look up relevant information to help. You may be office-based or working remotely but you will always have support.

Adviser

You may be helping clients with more complex cases by phone, email, webchat or in person. You will have access to a wider range of specialist information and may write letters or make phone calls on behalf of clients. You will still be advising on a wide range of subjects and will still have support from other members of the team.

Receptionist

You will be the friendly face to greet our clients in person. You will also answer the
phone and complete administrative tasks such as filing, scanning and photocopying.

What Subjects Can Advisers Advise On?

  • Welfare benefits
  • Debt/money
  • Consumer
  • Housing
  • Relationship & family
  • Employment
  • Immigration and nationality
  • Legal matters
  • Tax
  • Disability information
  • Discrimination
  • Education
  • Health matters
  • Completing forms

How Much Time Is Involved?

After initial training a minimum of one day per week is required from our volunteers. This may be spread over two days – we try to be as flexible as possible. All staff are also expected to attend monthly staff meetings and further ongoing training.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

No formal qualifications necessary as full training provided. However, you will need:

  • The ability and willingness to work within the aims, principles and equal opportunities of the Citizens Advice service
  • Good communication skills
  • Good IT skills
  • Ability to interact with and respect others
  • Openness to new ideas and willingness to learn

What Training Will You Receive?

You will join our 12 week academic training programme for advisers. This involves group and self-study, e-learning, webinars and observation. You will need to commit to 1-2 days a week but hours are flexible. This is followed by practical experience in a very supportive environment leading to certification.

Why Do People Volunteer?

We are often asked by clients “Why do you do this work? You aren’t paid!”. Some of the reasons given by advisers are:

 

I volunteered for CA work because….”I wanted to do something worthwhile to help others, and develop myself personally and intellectually.“

What I like most about coming in is….”The friendship from fellow advisers – the support shown, the exchange of ideas and opinions.“

It’s lovely when….”You get a successful result, and when you know the client really appreciates the effort that has been made on their behalf – then it’s brilliant.“