Morpeth CAB Searches For Volunteers

18 January 2012

A popular Northumberland Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) expected to be inundated with requests for free debt advice throughout 2012 is looking for volunteers to help with demand.

The DAWN CAB in Morpeth, which has been a lifeline for thousands living in its surrounding communities since opening in 1974, is hoping to recruit volunteer advisers to support its general advice service.

Liz Chadwick, Chief Executive of DAWN Advice which manages the DAWN CAB, said that the support of volunteers is crucial in ensuring that the CAB is able to keep up with the demand for its free and independent advice services.

She added: "Without the backing of volunteers, CABs throughout the country would struggle to help those who need our support the most - especially following the substantial cuts to funding which Citizens Advice experienced in 2011.

"We are looking for people from all walks of life that are willing to regularly donate their time - whether it is someone looking to enhance their CV or someone who just wants to do something constructive with their time - every volunteer brings with them a unique experience of life which is priceless."

Research has shown that nationally, 2.5 million people have fallen behind with at least one bill payment and given how hard the North East has been hit by job losses over the past 12 months the bureau warns that the regional figure could be much worse.

Liz said: "Over the coming months we are anticipating that the number of enquiries we receive relating to debt will only continue to grow.

"Just earlier this week we were warned that the UK may have returned into recession, so its vital that nobody in need of debt advice slips through the net and that we have the resources available to deal with all enquiries. Our volunteers will play a huge role in this and we're extremely keen to hear from anyone interested in becoming a volunteer.

"Unfortunately many of our cases have already started to escalate by the time they reach us - if debt issues aren't addressed quickly they can have a huge impact on all aspects of a person's life. There is always a solution however the quicker someone asks for help the easier it can be to resolve their problems."

Trainee volunteer advisers will study a variety of modules to ensure that they are able to provide well-informed advice on a number of matters ranging from housing, debt and benefits to employment, relationships and consumer issues.

Liz added: "CAB advisers must be able to quickly identify appropriate solutions for their clients while also being capable of recognising any secondary issues which they may be struggling with so the training can be hard work. However, our volunteers are always thrilled with how satisfying being a CAB adviser can be."

Anyone interested in volunteering opportunities at the DAWN CAB in Morpeth should contact Helen Dodds on 01670 785516 for further details.