Citizens Advice East Berkshire celebrates its volunteers and is on the lookout for new recruits
As part of Volunteers’ Week from June 2 to 8, Citizens Advice East Berkshire (CAEB) wants to highlight the incredible work its volunteers do. And, thank them for their exceptional contribution to the charity and community at large.
In the last year, CAEB has helped 6,013 people with 30,996 problems, including debt advice, housing, benefits and energy issues. It can only do this work thanks to its 62-strong team of trained volunteers, working alongside staff.
Citizens Advice East Berkshire volunteers come from all walks of life and choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. They include students; people getting back into work after career breaks; people with part-time jobs; carers; and people who’ve retired.
Volunteers are often looking to gain valuable experience or to use their existing skills in new ways. Many want to have an impact in their community and find a sense of purpose in helping others.
Research by national Citizens Advice found that 9 in 10 volunteers say that volunteering at Citizens Advice services across England and Wales have given them a sense of purpose while 42% say their confidence and mental health is boosted.
Liz Falconer began volunteering with CAEB in 2020, back in the days of lockdown and now works as an Adviser, mainly dealing with debt issues. She said: “Citizens Advice helps people with a wide range of problems and can help them to find a way forward. I would very much recommend volunteering and making a difference.”
David Elliott, trainee assessor at the service, added. “I started volunteering this year to gain fresh knowledge and learn new skills, following retirement from a long career doing something completely different! I have had rich opportunities in the last two months to develop myself in these areas. The induction and training provided have been excellent. I most enjoy working in a very friendly, supportive team, with so many dedicated and expert colleagues in all roles in the organisation and starting to meet clients and hopefully able to help them. I would certainly recommend it to others in a similar situation to mine.”
Now CAEB is looking for new volunteers to join and help make a difference to the people across Bracknell, Maidenhead, Slough and Windsor as the rising cost of living continues to push up demand for its services.
As well as volunteers who offer advice to people in person, online or over the phone, there are opportunities for people to use their expertise in a variety of areas on a flexible basis. These include supporting the charity with financial or marketing needs or providing administrative or IT support.
Nicola Miller, CEO at Citizens Advice East Berkshire, said: “We’re forever grateful to our wonderful team of volunteers who willingly give up their time and skills to ensure people in East Berkshire can get the support they need.
Now more than ever, this support makes a huge difference to the growing number of people needing help with their energy bills, budgeting and debts.
Volunteering not only gives back to your local community, we know people who volunteer their time get a lot in return. Whether it’s working as a team, learning new skills or campaigning on issues close to your heart, there are many fulfilling opportunities available.
Previous research by Citizens Advice revealed the value of its volunteers equated to £100 million in the last year across England and Wales. This includes the value of volunteering hours as well as the wider positive impact volunteering has on the economy and the NHS.
The charity’s report, ‘Value in Volunteering’, highlighted the important contribution its 10,000 strong volunteers have made across its network of more than 240 independent local Citizens Advice services across England and Wales.
To find out more and apply, visit: caeb.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/
Photo: David Elliott (second from right) and Citizens Advice volunteers collecting funds at Windsor Racecourse on May 24 2025. CAEB was the racecourse’s charity partner for the opening day of the season.