Citizens Advice says ‘learn more’, in Adult Learners’ Week

23-05-2008

Citizens Advice is encouraging people to learn new skills by becoming a volunteer as part of this year’s Adult Learners’ Week which runs from 17 to 23 May 2008.

Adult Learners’ Week is the largest annual celebration of adult learning in the UK run by NIACE (The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education - England and Wales) which is a non-governmental organisation that exists to encourage more and different adults to engage in learning of all kinds.

Adult Learner’s Week is a great opportunity to see the many and varied learning opportunities throughout the Citizens Advice service including volunteering. CAB volunteering is an excellent path into paid work – nearly one-third of the volunteers who leave the service go on to full-time education or employment. CAB volunteers can gain experience and training as administrators, receptionists, providing IT support, marketing, interpreting, in PR or fundraising skills.

David Harker, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said:

"Volunteering with your local bureau is a great way of not only helping to change people’s lives but possibly changing your own life as well. You can learn lots of new skills for free that might lead to a new job, higher education and all sorts of other opportunities. Get involved and learn – you may surprise yourself."

For more information about volunteering, please contact our volunteer hotline on: Volunteer hotline 08451 264264 (local rate) or go to our Volunteer section.

For more information about Adult Learner’s Week, please call NIACE on: 0116 204 4200 or go to www.niace.org.uk

Notes to editors on Citizens Advice

1. The Citizens Advice service is a network of independent charities that helps people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales www.citizensadvice.org.uk
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
3. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at over 3,300 locations across England and Wales.
4. Advice and information www.adviceguide.org.uk
5. Volunteer hotline 08451 264264 (local rate)
6. Citizens Advice Guide to your rights, second edition: January 2008 - over 600 pages of practical, independent CAB advice. An invaluable resource for any bookshelf - available from all good bookshops; price £11.99; ISBN: 9780141034089
7. Follow Citizens Advice on Twitter: twitter.com/CitizensAdvice
8. Subscribe to Citizens Advice press releases via RSS news feed: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/pressoffice