Volunteers are being sought by the biggest advice charity in the South Hams. Citizens Advice South Hams is looking for people to become part of its advice teams across Totnes, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. It holding a series of taster days at each of its South Hams offices.

Last year in the South Hams, Citizens Advice helped over 4,000 people with over 9,000 issues, face-to-face, by phone and by email. Most of its staff are trained volunteers, advising on problems with debt, consumer rights, benefits, disability issues, housing, employment, relationship problems, homelessness and more. There are also roles in reception, administration and fundraising. Full training is given.

Teena Barrett, advice services manager at Citizens Advice South Hams explained: “We already have an amazing group of 45 trained volunteers who work alongside a small number of paid staff, advising and helping local residents with their problems. We are currently experiencing a rising demand for our services and would like to increase our volunteer numbers.”

Volunteers who want to learn the skills of a gateway adviser will join a training programme that runs for a day a week over eight weeks. Gateway advisers are the first point of contact for people approaching the charity with a problem. Other roles require less training and can be started after a simple induction.

Citizens Advice is looking for people who are open-minded and good at listening. No specific qualifications are required but basic computer skills are useful. All volunteers who provide advice to clients are supported and supervised.

Citizens Advice is holding the following taster days:

Ivybridge, Tuesday, November 7, 10am-12pm at The Watermark.

Dartmouth, Wednesday, November 8, 10am-12pm at The Flavel.

Kingsbridge, Wednesday, November 15, 1pm-3pm at Quay House.

Prospective volunteers will be shown a typical client advice session, given a tour of the Citizens Advice website and hear more about how the charity works. There is no need to book.

Some of the current volunteers have been with the charity for more than 12 years. Teena Barrett pointed out that volunteering can provide a good route into employment, as well as offering personal satisfaction.

For more information visit southhamscab.org.uk or email [email protected].

The Citizens Advice line for problems is 03 444 111 444.