Join the Citizens Advice Lancashire West Volunteer Team
Make a Difference in Your Community
Volunteering with Citizens Advice Lancashire West offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in your community. We are launching a recruitment drive to attract dedicated individuals, including law students and retired professionals, to join our team. Whether you're looking to gain valuable experience, give back to the community, or stay active and engaged in meaningful work, volunteering with us can provide immense personal and professional rewards.
Why Volunteer with Citizens Advice Lancashire West?
At Citizens Advice Lancashire West, we believe that everyone deserves access to free, confidential, and impartial advice on issues such cost of living, housing, benefits, employment, debt and more. Our volunteers are the heart of our service, helping thousands of people every year. By volunteering, you’ll have the chance to:
Make a Positive Impact: Your efforts can directly improve the lives of people in your community.
Gain New Skills: Enhance your communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Meet New People: Connect with like-minded individuals and build lasting friendships.
Boost Your Career: Gain valuable experience and references that can help in your professional life.
Stay Active: For retired professionals, volunteering is a great way to stay engaged and use your expertise.
Calling All Law Students: Enhance Your Education
For law students, volunteering with Citizens Advice Lancashire West offers a fantastic opportunity to complement your studies with real-world experience. Here’s how volunteering can benefit you:
Practical Experience
As a law student, volunteering with us allows you to apply your academic knowledge in practical situations. You’ll have the opportunity to assist clients with legal issues, giving you hands-on experience that is invaluable for your future career. You can work on cases involving housing disputes, employment rights, consumer issues, and more, all under the guidance of experienced advisors.
Networking Opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to build a professional network. You’ll meet and work with legal professionals, advisors, and other volunteers, creating connections that could be beneficial for your career. Networking through volunteering can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and professional references.
Skill Development
Volunteering at Citizens Advice Lancashire West will help you develop crucial skills that are essential for any legal career. You’ll enhance your research abilities, improve your client communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of various legal issues. These experiences will make you a more well-rounded and attractive candidate to future employers.
Retired Professionals: Share Your Expertise and Stay Active
If you’re a retired professional, your skills and experience are incredibly valuable to us. Here’s why volunteering could be the perfect fit for you:
Utilize Your Skills
After a long and successful career, you have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can greatly benefit those in need. Whether you have a background in law, teaching, civil service, social work, finance or any other field, your skills can help our clients navigate complex issues and find solutions.
Stay Engaged
Volunteering is a fantastic way to stay active and engaged in meaningful work after retirement. It provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment, as you’ll be making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Staying active in the community can also improve your mental and physical well-being.
Flexible Commitment
We understand that everyone’s availability is different, especially in retirement. That’s why we offer flexible volunteering opportunities that can fit into your schedule. Whether you can commit to a few hours a week or more, your contribution will be greatly appreciated.
How to Get Involved
Getting started as a volunteer with Citizens Advice Lancashire West is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to joining our team:
Visit Our Website: Head to our website and navigate to the volunteering section to learn more about the opportunities available.
Fill Out an Application: Complete our online application form with your details and areas of interest.
Attend an Information Session: We hold regular information sessions where you can learn more about what volunteering entails and ask any questions you might have.
Complete Training: All volunteers undergo comprehensive training to ensure you’re fully prepared to assist clients.
Start Volunteering: Once trained, you’ll be ready to start making a difference in your community.
Testimonials from Our Volunteers
Here’s what some of our current volunteers have to say about their experiences:
Dona, Law Student
“I moved to the UK in 2018 from Miami while studying law at the Open University thinking of a career change. I had worked in an extremely competitive industry in a quasi legal role. I was encouraged to volunteer following the advice of one of my 1st year law tutors. She thought it would be a good way for me to gain valuable experience working with individuals in a multitude of different legal situations — an excellent way to hone my interviewing skills and add to my CV.”
Joan, volunteer since 2005
“I began volunteering for Citizens Advice in 2005. I started volunteering because I knew I lived in a society where some people ran into problems, often not of their own making. Citizens Advice offered me a structure where I could help people with their problems and be backed up by training and great expertise. I loved it.”
Join Us Today
Whether you’re a law student looking to gain practical experience or a retired professional wanting to give back, Citizens Advice Lancashire West offers a welcoming and supportive environment where you can make a real difference. Our volunteers are essential to our mission of providing free, confidential, and impartial advice to those in need.
Join us today and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Visit our website to learn more about our volunteering opportunities and start your journey with Citizens Advice Lancashire West. Together, we can help people find the support they need to move forward with their lives.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering with Citizens Advice Lancashire West is more than just giving your time; it’s about being part of a community that cares. Your involvement can help change lives and bring about positive change in society. Whether you're at the start of your career or looking for ways to stay active in retirement, Citizens Advice Lancashire West welcomes you with open arms.
Take the first step towards making a difference. Join our volunteer team today and help us continue to provide vital support to those who need it most, especially those who are affected by the Cost of Living Crisis. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community for everyone.