As a charity, Citizens Advice relies on people who live in the community, who understand the needs of other people and are willing to help them overcome problems and improve their lives.
Across Devon, 600 volunteers helped more than 58,000 people work through their issues last year and 97% of volunteers said they would recommend volunteering with the charity.
Demand for help from Citizens Advice is expected to continue rising in the years ahead as financial and housing pressures bite.
To help meet this demand, the new Help Your Community campaign aims to increase the number of volunteers providing frontline advice, work on research and lobbying, help with administration, and support jobs such as IT and fundraising, or sitting on the boards as trustees.
Citizens Advice Devon chair, Edwina Bradshaw, said: "Volunteers are the backbone of our service and are drawn from all walks of life.
"Our volunteers include people gaining work experience for the first time, those on career breaks, those looking for a way back into the workplace and people who have retired. We warmly welcome everyone, regardless of age, gender, religion, race or disability."
For many volunteer roles, previous experience isn’t necessary because everyone receives thorough training. When you volunteer with Citizens Advice, you’re part of a supportive team, so you’re never working alone.
Volunteers enjoy the variety of work – you never know what the next case might be about. From benefits to debt and from relationship breakdowns to housing and consumer issues, the work can be challenging yet exceptionally rewarding. There may also be the chance to specialise in subjects like energy advice or housing.
Robert, who volunteers in the South Hams, said: "Helping others in their time of need is very rewarding. We often see people coming in at the end of their tether but go out of the door with a huge sense of relief.
"It’s also great working as part of a team, you’re never left on your own to cope with issues and you can always rely on professional support from your supervisor and fellow volunteers.
"Since joining Citizens Advice, I’ve learnt new skills, met new friends and feel like I’ve made a real difference to someone’s life, no matter how small the issue."
All work travel and parking expenses are paid and for most volunteer roles, hours are flexible, and in some cases, can be done from home.
Edwina continued: "I’m always in awe of the dedication and commitment shown by our volunteer workforce, and we have lots of people who have been with us for many years and made new friends along the way.
"The more volunteers who join us, the more people we can help in Devon, especially as people’s finances become ever more stretched."
