Volunteering

Abingdon CAB is always looking for volunteers, whether it be for administration, IT or advising. More information on becoming a Volunteer Adviser is given below. If you would like to know more, entirely without commitment, the Manager would be very glad to hear from you.

If you are looking for voluntary work which is challenging, but highly rewarding; if you are attracted by the idea of helping people who are in real need, then joining the CAB could be just right for you. Please go to the Contacts page to find out how you can get in touch.

The Volunteer Advisers

The volunteer advisers are the backbone of the CAB service. They are people drawn from all walks of life who have some spare time which they are willing to give in order to help fellow citizens who need advice, a sympathetic ear, or who need guidance through problems which they find they cannot resolve on their own.

The work can be challenging and demanding. An adviser can sometimes find that he or she is called upon to help in situations where no other person or organisation has been able to meet a person's need. In today's complex world, this means that the role of adviser requires a high degree of competence, resilience, a willingness to learn, and the capacity to be totally non-judgmental about clients and their situations.

One obvious question that people who are interested in volunteering ask is whether they will be able to cope, since it all appears to be rather daunting. It is hard to answer in general terms, but it is worth remembering that:-

• Full training is given, over a period of six months. During that time, trainees will find out what is involved in CAB work, and decide if this is what they want to do. The training programme is based on competences, and leads ultimately to the CAB Certificate in Generalist Advice Work. This nationally-recognised qualification is awarded after a further six months' work when a Trainee Adviser has demonstrated his or her competence in all the main enquiry areas.
• The CAB information system, on which all advice is based, is comprehensive and not difficult to use.
• An adviser is never left to deal with a difficult problem on his or her own. The Manager, Advice Session Co-ordinators and other advisers are always on hand to discuss and help out. In fact, collaborative working is normal, and advisers enjoy helping each other out.

What is expected of a Volunteer Adviser?

In Abingdon, we expect all advisers to offer two sessions a week on the rota. Each session will be for between three and four hours. Advisers may see clients or, when they have more exoerience, answer the phone. Some advisers will go on to develop a specialsit interest in, say, benefits or debt work. There are opportunities to further enhance particular skills through additional training.

In addition to working on the rota, advisers are asked to attend the monthly staff meetings. As well as dealing with the business of the Bureau, there is often a talk by a representative of a local organisation relevant to the work of the Bureau.

Training never stops! New legislation or changes to regulations mean that advisers need to update their knowledge. Courses are arranged on a whole variety ot topics, and advisers are encouraged to sign up for these.

Concerning costs, the policy of CA is that no adviser should be out of pocket, when he or she joins a Bureau. Travelling costs from home to the Bureau are paid to advisers, and all costs connected with attending courses are met in full.

Similarly, it is recognised that advisers' other commitments and needs should be borne in mind, and time off will be given for holidays etc., although advisers will be encouraged to make up time where possible.