Volunteer Adviser’s outstanding commitment of 22 years with charity recognised with Chair’s award
- Laura Douglas has volunteered with Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire for 22 years and helped around 7,000 local people
- Laura is described by colleagues as a “role model” as well as being “like sunshine” in the office
- She was presented with a Chair’s Award by South Gloucestershire Council in recognition of her outstanding commitment to helping the community
A hugely-dedicated Volunteer Adviser at a Yate-based charity has received an award after dedicating 22 years to helping the community in South Gloucestershire.
Laura Douglas has helped an estimated 7,000 people since beginning volunteering with Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire in 2004.
She is the charity’s longest-serving Volunteer and acts as a Generalist Adviser – the first point of contact for most people when they go for help from the charity.
She works two open-door sessions a week at the Yate office – now based at Unit 1 Badminton Court, Station Road, BS37 5HZ – helping on average three people per session.
Spread over 50 weeks in a year and over her 22 years, she has helped more than 6,800 people during her time with the charity – more than 2% of the entire population of South Gloucestershire.
Chair’s Award
The Chair of South Gloucestershire Council Cllr Katie Cooper presented Laura with a Chair’s Community Award last month in recognition of her achievements.
The awards evening, held at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College’s WISE Campus in Stoke Gifford, gave awards to 30 community heroes – both individuals and groups.
Nominating Laura for the award, colleagues described her as a role model who believes in the power of empowering others to bring about positive change in their lives.
Laura is also described by colleagues as being joyous to be around and like sunshine in the office – bringing warmth and positivity wherever she goes.
Laura said: “I have always had a passion to help people, so being a volunteer adviser at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is the most perfect and rewarding way to do so.
“Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is important to support because it is a safe haven for people with concerns to be listened to, helped and advised in confidence.
“It is a delight to be recognised for my service with this community award, I am truly honoured.”
Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire’s Chief Executive Officer Chantal Watts said: “We are immensely grateful to Laura for her amazing work with us over the last 22 years.
“We would also like to thank South Gloucestershire Council for recognising her dedication with this award – it is well-deserved.
“Laura is an exemplary Generalist Adviser and we are looking forward to many more years to come of Laura volunteering with us.”
Published 23/02/26.
