Citizens Advice Ashfield is thanking its volunteers who have supported the service before and during coronavirus lockdown.

As part of Volunteers’ Week, which runs until 7 June, Citizens Advice Ashfield said it wanted to thank current volunteers for their contribution and welcome new recruits to the service as it evolves post lockdown.

Volunteers contributed over 9,200 hours last year and helped more than 7000 people with issues such as debt, housing, benefit and employment.

Volunteers help in a variety of roles, such as giving clients information and advice, raising funds, keeping the service running smoothly, and helping with the strategic direction of the organisation.

Sam, a volunteer adviser at Citizens Advice Ashfield, said: “I decided to become a volunteer in order to gain more experience dealing with members of the public and gaining a general understanding on the type of issues that clients come in with. I also wanted to volunteer to complement my University studies.”

Kathryn Stacey, CEO at Citizens Advice Ashfield, added: “Our volunteers are an essential part of delivering our service to the people of Ashfield. Recent events have highlighted the need for volunteers who can help advise clients through our digital service and we are keen to expand this with the help of more volunteers.

“Many of our volunteers have moved on to paid employment as a result of their time with us and we are really keen to support anyone seeking to develop new skills to help them get a job.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering with Citizens Advice Ashfield, email [email protected]