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Citizens Advice ‘Volunteer of the Year’ winners announced

26 September 2008

One of the largest voluntary organisations in the UK recognised today the enormous role that volunteers play in helping it deliver its invaluable service to the public.

Citizens Advice announced the winners of its 'Volunteer of the Year Awards 2008' on Wednesday 24 September at the charity’s Annual Conference in York.

There were seven different categories, which reflect the depth and diversity of volunteering roles at Citizens Advice.

Volunteers are at the heart of the Citizens Advice service - over 21,000 people a year volunteer with the charity and in 2006/07 volunteers gave a massive 121,743 hours a week of their time to Citizens Advice.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive David Harker said:

"I’d like to personally thank all our volunteers across England and Wales for their valuable and worthwhile contribution to the local community. Without volunteers our vital service wouldn’t be able to help people with over 5.7 million problems a year. A special thank you to those volunteers who have been recognised through these awards as having shown exceptional levels of hard work and dedication. The Volunteer of the Year Awards gives the whole Citizens Advice service a chance to celebrate their success."

Volunteers within the Citizens Advice service undertake a variety of different roles. The majority of volunteers work as advisors (76%), but other volunteer roles available in bureaux are: administrators, receptionists, IT coordinators, PR and Marketing support, trustees, campaigners, fundraisers, volunteer recruitment and social policy coordinators.

Bureaux are always on the lookout for new volunteer recruits and anyone interested can contact the Citizens Advice Volunteer hotline on 08451 264264.

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see 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. For online advice and information see New windowwww.adviceguide.org.uk
  3. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 7.1 million problems from April 2010 to March 2011. For full 2010/2011 service statistics see: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_statistics
  4. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable. (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
  5. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,300 service outlets across England and Wales.