Press Release: Value of Volunteers
Citizens Advice Rushmoor celebrates volunteers who’ve given more than fourteen thousand hours of their time to their community
Citizens Advice Rushmoor has revealed that its volunteers gave more than 14,000 hours of their time to help make a difference to the people of Aldershot & Farnborough in the last year. This comes as the charity continues to see record demand for its services.
The new research found that the accumulated hours of volunteering time was worth £363,887. Meanwhile the value of their work contributed £19,064 to the local economy as well as £26,122 to the NHS – bringing the total value of volunteering at the service to £478,039.
Last year the charity saw unprecedented demand, supporting over ten thousand people across all its services. It can only do this work thanks to its 50 plus team of volunteers.
Nationally, 9 in 10 volunteers say that volunteering at Citizens Advice has given them a sense of purpose while 42% say it boosts their confidence and mental health.
Citizens Advice was created during the Second World War. Volunteers ran the service, helping people with issues relating to the loss of ration books, homelessness and evacuation. Fast forward 85 years and volunteers remain a crucial part of the charity.
Citizens Advice Rushmoor is on the lookout for new recruits from all backgrounds who can give their time to help people struggling with energy prices/rising household bills/debt/employment issues/housing issues.
The charity says no specific experience is necessary as full training will be provided. Many volunteers include people getting back into work after career breaks; people with part-time jobs; students; carers; parents and people who’ve retired.
Some comments from our staff feedback survey from 2024 about what they like best about working at Citizens Advice Rushmoor:
“A very supportive and hardworking team”
“Great organisation which helps so many people”
“My views and skills are valued and my personal circumstances are taken into account”
“You feel heard, valued and everyone is always ready to help you.”
“It has a very family-like environment. Whenever you need to speak to your managers or supervisors, it is easy to approach them, it doesn’t feel daunting.”
“You are treated as a person, not a number. Always treated fairly and listened to when you may be facing difficulties.”
The opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by providing them with “invaluable advice and support to navigate challenging situations.”
As well as volunteers to offer advice to people in person, online or over the phone there are opportunities for people to provide expertise in man different areas.
Calum Stewart (Chief Officer) at Citizens Advice Rushmoor said:
“Volunteers are at the heart of how Citizens Advice Rushmoor supports our local community. The value volunteers add to our service, and to the lives of people needing support, can be life-changing.
“We also hear how much our volunteers get back personally from giving their time: whether it’s the enjoyment of working as a team, learning new skills or campaigning on issues close to their heart.
“The dedication and commitment volunteers show to helping make a difference, particularly when demand for our help is so high, is incredible. We simply couldn’t do it without them.”
To find out more and apply, visit: Volunteering – Citizens Advice Rushmoor