Citizens Advice column: Thank you to our volunteers – could you be next?
This week is Volunteers’ Week (June 1–7) and we are taking the opportunity to recognise and thank the dedicated volunteers who support our community, while also inviting others to consider getting involved.
When asked why he chose to volunteer with Citizens Advice and what he gets out of it, one of our long-standing volunteers reflected:
“When I was asked why I volunteer for Citizens Advice and what I get out of it, I thought what a good question.
“As I approached retirement, I knew I needed something to occupy my time while still contributing. I wanted something that would keep my brain active, allow me to learn new things and challenge me. I thought, well, what am I good at? Listening to people, thinking logically, and I like to believe I'm honest and fair minded.
“I had volunteered for Citizens Advice around 14 years earlier, back when there used to be books and you used to write up your case notes on cards. I remembered how challenging it was, and how impressed I was with the training that CAB gives.
“So, in 2014, I decided to return and volunteer in Citizen Advice, Dewsbury. Twelve years later, I’m still here - which probably answers the question.
“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. It helps me feel that I’m making a contribution not just to clients, but to the wider community and the team I work with. Even as a volunteer, I feel heard and valued, and I can/do suggest improvements to how I work.
“I have learned a great deal and continue to learn. I'm also challenged not just by the knowledge that I need and by the cases that I deal with but also in the most unexpected ways. For instance, to be non-judgmental, to be aware of my own prejudices and ensuring they don’t influence how I treat clients.
“Volunteering gives me weekly routine. After retiring, I realised how easily days can blur together but now I have a structure, every Saturday morning, I have a bacon sandwich, so I know it's the weekend and Tuesdays are my Citizens Advice Day.
“It’s also good to get out of the house, meet new people and be part of a supportive team. The team I work with in the office is cheerful and can appreciate my sense of humour, we help each other, not just with case knowledge but when dealing with difficult situations.
“The role gives me perspective too; on any problems I might have. How can I complain when I meet people every week who have much more serious issues than I have, and I then realise how fortunate I am.
“I get real satisfaction from helping others. When someone says thank you, or asks to see me again, it shows that what we do makes a difference.
“There is also a great deal of variety. Even when the issues are similar, every person’s situation is different. Much of that variety comes from the people, listening, understanding their circumstances, building trust and supporting them through challenging times.
“I have also met people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures that I would not have met otherwise, which has been incredibly enriching.”
We are very grateful to our volunteer for taking the time to share his experience. His story reflects the dedication, compassion and commitment that our volunteers bring, and the real impact they have on people in our community.
So, if you too, are looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community, learn new skills and meet new people, volunteering with Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law Centre could be for you. Whether you have a few hours a week or more time to offer, your contribution can make a real difference to people’s lives.
We are still actively recruiting for volunteers and Trustees at KCALC. If you know anyone who may be interested, please direct them to our Volunteering section of the KCALC website (www.kcalc.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering).
If you would like support with any of the issues above, contact us by filling in our online form at www.kcalc.org.uk/contact-us, or drop into our Dewsbury Contact Centre on Mondays and Tuesdays, 9.30am-3pm.