Understanding the benefits of volunteering
We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. It can be difficult and stressful trying to work things out alone.
At Citizens Advice our volunteers help people find a way forward with the problems they face.
Apply now to find out more about volunteering opportunities in your local Citizens Advice and help us make a difference.
Find volunteering opportunities in your local area.
Citizens Advice volunteers come from all walks of life and choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. Our volunteers include students, people getting back into work after career breaks, people with part-time jobs, carers, and people who’ve retired.
Every volunteer gets something different from their volunteering experience, including the opportunity to:
make a positive difference to people's lives
improve self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing
gain invaluable work experience
receive high-quality training and develop new skills
use existing skills and knowledge to benefit the local community
meet new people from a range of backgrounds
feel valued and part of a team
change the way things work for the better
Volunteering with Citizens Advice provides training, skills and experience that’s valued by many employers. Many volunteers who leave local Citizens Advice go on to paid employment, including with the Citizens Advice service, as well as other organisations.
If you’re looking to get back into work, or considering a career with Citizens Advice, volunteering can be a great place to start.
Learn from the experiences of our volunteers
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and bring with them different skills and experiences. Local Citizens Advice volunteers get involved with the service for different reasons and do a variety of roles. One thing they have in common is they find volunteering enjoyable and rewarding.
Kyle - Generalist Adviser at Citizens Advice Newcastle
Kyle joined Citizens Advice as a volunteer whilst working part-time.
“I joined Citizens Advice because it has got a good reputation, it is a trusted and well-known name and has good social values.
I am still working in retail but I used to be a trade union representative and had experience in advising and representing people. I wanted to help make a difference to people’s lives and gain valuable experience.
I volunteer at least once a week depending on my shifts at work. I give face to face advice in areas such as benefits and energy and signpost to other agencies when is more appropriate. The best thing is making a difference and learning new things. Citizens Advice provides opportunities for training and alongside my volunteering at Citizens Advice I have also completed my certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance.”
To anyone thinking of volunteering at Citizens Advice Kyle says…
“Take the step forward. We need people with various experiences and skills to promote a better service. There will be times when it gets hard but no matter the outcome you become better, smarter and more aware of how things work.”
Kathleen is a generalist adviser at Citizens Advice Newcastle.
Kathleen volunteers with various charities and has been volunteering with Citizens Advice for 7 years.
“I was very closed-in while caring for my husband and I wanted to volunteer. I started giving people food at a foodbank and I would listen to stories. I am on benefits myself but wanted to know more to be able to help people in desperate need. I applied to be a volunteer at Citizens Advice to learn more and different things. I still volunteer in other charities but I volunteer at Citizens Advice 1 day a week and I absolutely love it!
Volunteering gave me the confidence to help people. You surprise yourself with how much you can learn and I feel good that I live in the area and I am helping my own community.
Volunteering has helped me with my mental health. It makes me get up, get ready and go out. I feel really good going in and I had a confidence boost for being accepted at Citizens Advice. I can help Citizens Advice and they help me- it is a 2-way thing.”
To anyone thinking of volunteering, Kathleen says:
“I absolutely love it- go for it as you do not know what it is like until you take that step! There is no point thinking “I wish I had done it” later on. You will get the training needed and you do not give advice on your own- you have support from the supervisors. It’s good for your self-esteem. I feel confident and supported all the time.”
Arminder - Generalist Adviser for Citizens Advice Sandwell-Walsall
Arminder also works as a paid member of staff in the Debt team.
“When I applied for a voluntary opportunity with Citizens Advice, I was a student wanting to find a long-term career opportunity. I felt I could apply what I was studying and gain experience to help me with my career progression.
Prior to volunteering I worked in retail from general assistant to a manager and I felt I could use my management experience, organisational and customer service skills in making a difference.
I started supporting clients attending the walk-in service on a reception desk, before progressing to generalist advice. I now provide debt support as part of the team working from mobile units as a paid member of staff. I still volunteer as a generalist adviser both face to face and on the telephone.”
To anyone thinking of volunteering, Arminder says:
“Never think twice about it and once given the opportunity, take advantage of as many opportunities to advise clients to develop professionally. Gain the opportunity to demonstrate a good level of commitment, to wanting to be part of a positive journey and believe in it. Take everything as constructive and always pay attention to training and learning opportunities.”