Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service (D&G CAS) is facing unprecedented demand for its invaluable advice services. In response, they are launching a new campaign to recruit more volunteers and continue changing lives.
Sonya Fitzsimon, Volunteer Coordinator at D&G CAS explains, “The cost-of-living crisis has significantly increased the demand for our advice services, while volunteering trends are declining due to a number of mitigating factors. As a charity, volunteers are the lifeblood of our service. We need people from all across the region. Our initial focus is on Annandale, Eskdale and Wigtownshire but volunteers right across the region are very welcome.”
Volunteering with D&G CAS offers something for everyone, regardless of age (must be over 16). Whether you’re looking to stay active in retirement, or you’re a young person or working-age individual seeking meaningful engagement, we have a place for you.”
Rosalyn, a volunteer in the Stranraer Advice Bureau, shares her story, “D&G CAS has supported people through some of the toughest times in their lives, and it has helped me immensely. Having benefited from their advice service, I eagerly joined as a volunteer admin assistant to give something back. Volunteering has improved my confidence, helped me move forward, and now I am in the position where I can offer that help to others. It’s a nice, wee, warm, fuzzy feeling to know that you’ve helped to change someone’s life.”
Sonya adds, “young people looking to gain valuable work experience can enhance their CVs with us. Additionally, anyone keen to learn new skills or face new challenges can greatly benefit from volunteering. We are specifically looking for new volunteers as Advisers or that wish to be trained to Triage calls. In addition, we offer a wide range of other roles, Administration, Reception, Social Policy. We are keen to ensure that we have volunteers in our various outreaches across the Region. They will become part of a valued team, they will receive full training, be part of our social events and any expenses will be paid. Our board members are also volunteers, so those passionate about helping on a strategic level are very welcome too.”
If you’d like to learn more about volunteering with Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice Service, visit the ‘Volunteering’ page on the D&G CAS website or contact Sonya on 0300 303 4321 (ext 6148), or email [email protected].
