Call for student Volunteers as charity continues to help those struggling in cost-of-living crisis
Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire Advisers – student Volunteer Olivia and former student Volunteers India and Emily (now Staff)
- Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is calling for student Volunteers in light of Student Volunteering Week (12th to 18th February)
- Current volunteer Olivia Taylor, a student in Bristol, said the experience is “truly enjoyable” and beneficial to her personal and professional growth
- The charity needs more Volunteers as it continues to see increasing demand for help with cost-of-living-related issues
An advice charity is inviting students to gain invaluable experience by volunteering to help those struggling in the cost-of-living crisis.
Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is calling on students to join the charity in light of Student Volunteering Week (12th to 18th February).
Volunteering with the charity provides a fantastic opportunity to learn useful skills which can help with finding jobs after graduation.
The call for student Volunteers comes at a time the charity is experiencing more demand for help than ever before.
The charity helped more than 6,590 people in 2023 – its largest number of clients on record, and a 20 per cent increase on the previous year.
More and more people in South Gloucestershire are needing help with cost-of-living related issues.
The charity now helps roughly ten times as many clients in need of food bank or charitable support each month as it did prior to the pandemic.
A message for student Volunteers
Trainee Adviser Olivia Taylor, 22, who lives in Bristol, is volunteering at the charity while taking postgraduate studies at the University of Law Bristol.
Olivia had experience of providing advice and had also received help from Citizens Advice prior to starting volunteering with the South Gloucestershire branch.
She said: “I decided to volunteer with Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire because, after recently moving from Edinburgh to pursue postgraduate studies in Bristol, I realised I didn’t know much about my new community, or the challenges people were facing.
“The satisfaction derived from helping people, coupled with the friendly and welcoming atmosphere within the team, has made the experience truly enjoyable, even during busy times filled with laughter.
“The knowledge and skills gained from both my law course and volunteering are often interchangeable and mutually beneficial too. This experience has not only enhanced my confidence in client interactions but has also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to a fantastic cause.
“Overall, being a part of Citizens Advice has been a rewarding journey that not only complements my studies but also contributes positively to both my personal and professional growth and my local community.”
A grounding for potential paid work
Volunteering with Citizens Advice can potentially be a good grounding for taking on paid work.
Several staff members at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire previously volunteered either with the same charity or other local Citizens Advice offices.
Generalist Adviser India Ellis, 23, who lives in Staple Hill, previously volunteered at Citizens Advice Plymouth while studying for her undergraduate LLB Law degree.
She began working as a Staff member at Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire last year.
She said: “Volunteering at Citizens Advice alongside my degrees was a great experience for me.
“I learnt skills such as interviewing technique, how to tailor advice to individuals and how to work with vulnerable clients.
“I also learnt a whole lot about everything; from benefits, to employment, to the courts to housing. Anything people had an issue with, I had the skills to research and find a solution.
“These skills are highly transferable and desirable to future employers. For me, my experience at Citizens Advice helped me get to interviews and employment offers!
“I now work full-time as an adviser for Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire – which I absolutely love!
“It is a satisfying job as every day you can leave the job knowing you have made someone’s life a little easier.”
‘A chance to give back to the local community’
Help To Claim Adviser Emily Loveridge, 22, from Bristol, advises clients on making new Universal Credit claims.
She started her paid role last year having previously volunteered at Citizens Advice Southampton while studying French and Linguistics.
She said: “Volunteering with Citizens Advice whilst studying at University was beneficial to me both personally and professionally.
“It gives you a chance to learn about and give back to the local community, whether that’s one you’ve moved to or you’ve stayed closer to home for your studies.
“I hadn’t realized how many diverse areas Citizens Advice was able to assist people with.
“There were other students also volunteering at the local office I was at so it also gave me a chance to meet other students who were interested in similar areas also.
“Any type of volunteering looks good to an employer, but volunteering at Citizens Advice gives a diverse skillset that you can apply to almost any situation, you can show off your communication, empathy, organization and more.”
Current Volunteer vacancies
The charity currently has vacancies for two Receptionists and a Disability Forms Adviser – both important roles which would involve giving at least three hours per week.
The Receptionist role involves greeting clients and adding their details to our database, while the Disability Forms Adviser would mainly involve helping with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) forms.
Anyone interested in these positions can find out more at: https://www.southgloscab.org.uk/category/volunteer-vacancies/
Chantal Watts, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire, said: “Now more than ever, you can really make a difference by volunteering with Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire.
“Our frontline Advisers are helping huge numbers with their energy bills, budgeting and debts, and sadly we expect it to be a tough year ahead.
“As well as helping the local community, we know people who volunteer their time get a lot back. We’ll give you all the training you need and would love to hear from you.”
Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire is a local, independent charity which provides free, confidential and impartial advice to anyone who needs it in South Gloucestershire.
It runs face-to-face open-door sessions in Yate, Cadbury Heath, Stoke Gifford, Thornbury, Bradley Stoke and Emersons Green as well as operating a free Adviceline telephone service.
Anyone in South Gloucestershire seeking free, independent, impartial and confidential advice from Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire can call 0808 278 7947.
The charity’s opening times and contact details are available at: www.southgloscab.org.uk/get-advice/visit-us/
Published 14/02/24.
