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Citizens Advice Thanks Volunteers for their Support During Cost-of-living Crisis

Published on: 1 Jun, 2023
Updated on: 6 Jun, 2023

As the cost-of-living crisis bites, Citizens Advice South West Surrey has seen a huge number of enquiries from people struggling to stay on top of their household bills.

Thanks to the tireless dedication of its volunteers and staff, it has continued to give essential advice and crisis support to help people find a way forward.

Citizens Advice South West Surrey is a newly formed organisation which brings together the Citizens Advice districts of Guildford & Ash and Citizens Advice Waverley, as one. It comes into being on Thursday, June 1. 

It is reflecting on the past year, and the contribution its volunteers from both districts have made, and is looking forward to the continuation of their wonderful work in the future.

As part of Volunteers’ Week 2023 (June 1 to 7), Citizens Advice South West Surrey is thanking its volunteers for their exceptional contribution to the charity and the local community.

It has 166 volunteers who contribute to approximately 1,250 hours of service each week. 

During the last year, South West Surrey has helped 8,129 people with 31,975 problems, such as debt, housing, benefit and employment issues.  

There are many reasons why its volunteers do what they do.

Anita, a volunteer assessor, said: “As a result of my upbringing and the reliable support of Citizens Advice, I became a volunteer to give back and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

“Being from a first-generation immigrant family, Citizens Advice was always our go-to resource during times of uncertainty. Now, as I study law, I find gratification in using my knowledge to help others through Citizens Advice.”

Volunteer Assessor Sherin said: “I am currently studying at the The University of Law. I decided to volunteer as I saw a lot of people in need and I wanted to help with them with what I have.

“I enjoy volunteering as it has made many clients face their problems and eventually overcome them. I feel I have more confidence and I have found a new perspective when viewing problems.

“I would recommend that anyone who is considering volunteering, to go and do it, as it makes a huge difference in people’s lives.”

Alison, a volunteer adviser, said: “I volunteer because sometimes you can really make a different to someone who is in a difficult situation.”

Volunteer trainee adviser Graeme said: “Volunteering provides me with intellectual stimulation and a sense of challenge whilst giving me the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve helped people and been able to give something back to the community.”

The chief officer at Citizen’s Advice South West Surrey, Becky Jeffrey, said: “We have an incredible team of volunteers who freely give their time and skills to ensure people can get support in their time of need.

“I’m particularly proud of the immense dedication they’ve shown during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, when demand for our help is so high.

“Their dedication and commitment knows no bounds. We simply couldn’t do it without them.”

If you are interested in volunteering at its Ash or Guildford office, or from home, contact Mary at recruitment@ca-ga.org.uk for an application pack.

If you are interested in volunteering at its Godalming, Farnham, Haslemere or Cranleigh offices, contact Michele at michele.taylor@caw.org.uk for an application pack. 

For more information about the types of roles we offer visit the national Citizens Advice website.

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