Sedgemoor Citizens Advice Bureau - free, confidential and impartial advice to everyone, regardless of race, sex, disability or sexuality

Volunteering

WHY VOLUNTEER FOR SEDGEMOOR CAB?

All sorts of people volunteer for many different reasons, but one thing that unites them all is that they find it challenging, rewarding and varied:
“…CAB adviser training is respected and valued throughout the advice sector. Each role will enable you to develop specific expertise. For example, you might improve your IT and organisational skills as an administrator, or learn how to deal with the media and develop research skills as a campaigner. In any role, you will develop your skills in a number of valuable areas,like communication and dealing with the public, as well as increasing your self-confidence through practical hands-on experience. There are opportunities for everyone to develop – you never stop learning!”
It’s also a chance to put the skills and experience you have to good use helping others. We need people of all ages and backgrounds. For many people, the best thing about volunteering for the CAB is getting to meet a wide range of people and make new friends. There is a real team spirit at CAB, and we provide a supportive environment to make sure that you get the most out of your time with us.
Some roles are more flexible than others. We’ll do our best to find a role for you that fits in with your interests, and we’ll be as flexible as possible in enabling you to volunteer at the times that suit you best. You may find that the CAB deals with issues close to your heart. Above all, it’s a chance to make a real difference. By volunteering for CAB you’ll be playing an active part in improving the lives of millions of people and influencing the development of national and local policies and services. And you won’t be out of pocket – we will cover any travel costs incurred by your volunteering – and your training is free.

You could become an ADVISER…

Being an adviser is a very varied role.

Interview clients at drop-in sessions and appointments in the bureau, provide advice over the phone, via email and letter
Research information from the CAB electronic information system and other sources
Provide advice in explaining the potential choices and consequences that the client faces
Give practical help by writing letters, making phone calls, completing forms, doing calculations
Refer clients to other agencies if they are better placed to help
Create records of all clients’ cases
Help prevent future problems by identifying issues that affect a lot of clients

You don’t need any particular qualifications or experience to train as an Adviser. All sorts of people are CAB advisers.

Be good at listening
Be able to work in a team
Be able to read and write English, and do basic maths
Be open–minded and non-judgemental
Enjoy helping people
Have basic IT skills (or be prepared to develop them)

Advisers don’t need to know it all! We provide all trainee advisers with a training programme that will give you the skills you need to deliver a high quality service to clients. Our up-to-the-minute electronic information system contains most of the information you will need when advising clients. You won’t be left alone after you are trained. There will always be a more experienced adviser, who will give you support, advice and guidance. All advisers are insured by CAB in case mistakes are made .Once you have qualified as a Generalist Adviser, you will have the opportunity to develop further skills and increase the depth and breadth of your knowledge.

You could become an ADMINISTRATOR…

Administrators ensure that bureau systems run smoothly. Good support is essential for the running of any organisation, and CAB is no different. There are many different administrative roles – we can match your skills and time available to the bureau’s needs.

Using spread sheets, databases and word processing packages
Maintaining and developing administrative systems
Stock control of leaflets and materials and updating information
Helping to arrange events
Receiving and sending faxes, mail, email and telephone calls
Taking notes and minutes at meetings

You could join the IT SUPPORT TEAM…

Supporting and training users in day-to-day use of IT systems
Troubleshooting hardware and software problems Maintaining and developing networks
Designing spreadsheets, databases and websites

You could become a CAMPAIGNER…

Campaigners, or Social Policy Co-ordinators, use information from problems brought to the bureau by clients to help bring about real change by influencing local and national policy.This is a flexible role, which can sometimes be partly carried out away from the bureau and outside our opening hours.

Completing and collating evidence forms that record information about the problems clients experience
Identifying and raising issues in the bureau and at meetings
Training staff and volunteers in spotting particular issues and completing evidence forms
Conducting research and writing reports on local issues
Media campaigning and liaising with other bureaux and agencies to provide a voice for clients

Is it time that you gave yourself a new challenge?

To find out more Download our Information Pack for Volunteers

If your interested in finding out more about Volunteering please contact us direct
bureauadmin@sedgemoorcab.org.uk

or through your local Volunteer Centre on 01278 457685 or Email: vcsedgemoor@yahoo.co.uk

If you are looking for Advice only please email: advice@sedgemoorcab.org.uk or Phone 01278 455236

Name:
Phone:
Post Code:
E-mail:
Subject:
Problem:

Name:
Phone:
Post Code:
Email Address:
Subject:
Enquiry: