Annual review [ 1.4 MB] - Citizens Advice

A couple of us were asked to write this section and as our experiences haveoverlapped to some extent so far, for example length of volunteering atCopeland CAB and attending the same training course this seemed veryappropriate. But what to say and how?So hopefully this report has said something about the volunteering experience butalso if anyone with access to the report is interested in volunteering for CAB we, onthe basis of a positive, learning experience so far would certainly encourage you toexplore it further.As the training course was largely experiential we thought we’d begin bysimply thinking of few words that we individually associated with thevolunteer adviser role: rewarding; educational; stimulating, challenging;valued and valuable sprang to mind.The process has involved a steep but ‘copable – with’ learning curve, aided byour guidance tutor and her having to cope with early questions like, ‘butwhat’s the difference between a learning journal, an enquiry learning journaland a self – study pack and what do I look at first!’. We’ve had access to a wellstructured study programme and opportunities to observe clients in interviewsessions. Attending the external training course with other trainees from thecounty before being introduced to clients was very helpful. Emphasis initiallyfocuses on exploring the problem i.e. the first stage of the CAB model. So,reassuringly not being ‘thrown in at the deep end’.A third course day provided more practice for interpersonal skills throughrole-play exercises.FIn a safe, supportive environment we gave and gainedfeedback and had sufficient time in a relaxed manner to discuss any issueswhich arose.So, several months on as novice volunteers we’re gaining confidence in termsof seeing clients and are rewarded with a sense of making a positivecontribution to the team.This confidence has also been nurtured by consistent, reliable access to theadvice session supervisors and other team members.FFVolunteerMoira Coombes & Rena Vincent, Volunteers at Whitehaven Office£145,000The market value of volunteers across CopelandVolunteer Feedback:“Success for the client is alwaysgratifying”Feedback:“It is rewarding to know that we canhelp people in our community”Interested in joining our team?Please call: Whitehaven (01946 693321) or Millom (01229 772395) for details.51The number of peoplewho volunteer atCopeland CAB