Volunteers Week is time to celebrate the work of our wonderful team
Citizens Advice Rushmoor has continued giving advice to those in need throughout the coronavirus pandemic thanks to the tireless dedication of its staff and volunteers.
The team quickly rallied to ensure as many people as possible could be helped over the phone or web in a determined drive to get the right help and advice to the local community.
As part of Volunteers’ Week, which runs from the 1st to the 7th June, Citizens Advice Rushmoor is thanking their loyal and hardworking volunteers for their contribution – not only during these unprecedented times, but throughout the year.
Before the pandemic, over 90 volunteers at Citizens Advice Rushmoor were contributing over 600 hours each week, helping to provide guidance to local residents of Farnborough and Aldershot. Since lockdown started, over 70% of advice trained volunteers are now delivering from home.
In the last year, Citizens Advice Rushmoor has helped over 10,000 people with nearly 35,000 different problems, such as debt, housing, benefit and employment issues.
Jacki, a volunteer with Citizens Advice Rushmoor, said:
“I have enjoyed the flexibility of still being able to help people who are frightened and worried, even when I haven’t been able to come into the office.
“It is important to continue giving information to those in need when I am at home and on weekends, as I know how distressing it can be to have to sit with the worry or anxiety when there isn’t much support at those times.”
Alex Hughes, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Rushmoor said:
“Throughout the year our wonderful volunteers contribute their time and energy to make a huge difference to people’s lives and keep our vital service running. Their continued support during these very challenging times has helped some of the most vulnerable in the local area.
“The team is also working closely with other local voluntary services, to make sure we reach people who would previously have relied on our face to face service.
“Whether our volunteers have been able to continue in their role working from home, or have paused their volunteering, their support throughout the year has been truly invaluable.
“I cannot thank them enough for their continued dedication and hard work. We absolutely couldn’t do it without them.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering with your local Citizens Advice use the contact form on the front page of our website, where you can also find out more about the different volunteering roles available.