Volunteers at Citizens Advice Ashfield donated £131k worth of their time in the year up to 2017.

Kathryn Stacey, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Ashfield, is using Volunteers Week, from 1st to 7th June, to say thank you to the sixty five volunteers who gave their time at the local charity over the last 12 months.

Citizens Advice volunteers support people face-to-face, over the phone and online through email and webchat. Over the last 12 months they helped local people with 32402 issues, such as Debt, Employment, Housing, Consumer and Benefits.

John Wilkinson has been a volunteer adviser for the last nine years. He recently helped Eric, a 63-year-old pensioner, struggling to cope when his benefit stopped.

After exploring his circumstances John noticed that Eric qualified for Pension Credit. Thanks to John, not only was Eric’s benefit re-instated but he was also awarded £500.00 in backdated pension credit.

“Our volunteers change lives,” Kathryn said. “It is thanks to the generosity of our volunteers that we are able to help people take control of their finances, claim entitlements and protect their rights. There are many opportunities to volunteer at Citizens Advice and new volunteers are always welcome.”

Andy Bingham said: “At Citizens Advice, if you give your time you get a lot back. It is really satisfying being able to help people solve their problems and see that a weight has been lifted off their mind.

“Being a volunteer at Citizens Advice has also given me an opportunity to learn valuable skills and work with great people.”

Volunteers also give their time in areas like IT, fundraising and administration.

People interested in volunteering at their local Citizens Advice get in touch on 01623 784350 or visit www.ashfieldca.org.uk