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Rewards of volunteering

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Citizens Advice is calling for volunteers who can help make a difference to the lives of people in their community.

There are plenty of roles available, including being an adviser or receptionist, charity fundraising, trusteeship, supporting witnesses, campaigning and publicity.

All sorts of people volunteer with Citizens Advice for many different reasons, but one thing that unites them all is that they find it challenging, rewarding and varied.

Volunteering offers you a chance to meet new people, learn new skills and contribute to your community. You’ll receive full training, which leads to enhanced employability skills.

One of the ways in which you can help people via Citizens Advice is by volunteering with the Witness Support service.

Citizens Advice provides free and independent support for both prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court in England and Wales.

There are currently more than 2,800 highly-trained volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. They’re on hand to provide practical information about the process, as well as emotional support to help witnesses feel more confident when giving evidence.

The programme is looking for volunteers who have a friendly, mature and empathetic manner towards others. You need to have good listening and verbal communication skills, be non-judgemental and impartial in supporting all people, and have the confidence to support vulnerable people and people with specific needs.

Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk/volunteering for more information and available opportunities in your local Citizens Advice or Witness Service. You can also call 03000 332 1000 to hear more about volunteering with the Witness Service.

Volunteers’ feedback:

“The reward of feeling that you have supported and helped the victim or witness deal with their experience at court is immense.”
Volunteer, Witness Service

“Volunteering locally makes me feel a bit more tied in; it gives me a sense of understanding of the locality that I wouldn’t get otherwise.”
Volunteer trustee, Citizens Advice