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26-09-2008
One of the largest voluntary organisations in the UK recognised today the enormous role that volunteers play in helping it deliver its invaluable service to the public.
Citizens Advice announced the winners of its 'Volunteer of the Year Awards 2008' on Wednesday 24 September at the charity’s Annual Conference in York.
There were seven different categories, which reflect the depth and diversity of volunteering roles at Citizens Advice.
- The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Jean Sheriff of Denbighshire CAB, who has been with the bureau since it opened during the outbreak of war in 1939.
- Adviser of the Year was won by Bryan Mellor of Tendring CAB, who helped overhaul the bureau’s IT and communications systems.
- Campaigner of the Year was presented to Bridie Collier of North Somerset CAB for her inspiring work setting up a specialist advice service for Polish immigrants.
- Young Volunteer of the Year was presented to William Mather of Bolton CAB, who has helped set up and deliver a comprehensive training system for new recruits.
- The Bureau Support of the Year award went to Richard Slade of Bournemouth CAB. Previously the Director of a management training company Richard has brought numerous skills and energy to his volunteering role.
- Trustee Board of the Year was won by the Trustees of Citizens Advice Sefton for considering the wider organisation in any decision making.
- And finally, Volunteer Team of the Year was presented to volunteers at Portsmouth CAB for a great team spirit whilst moving premises and adjusting to extended opening hours.
Volunteers are at the heart of the Citizens Advice service - over 21,000 people a year volunteer with the charity and in 2006/07 volunteers gave a massive 121,743 hours a week of their time to Citizens Advice.
Citizens Advice Chief Executive David Harker said:
"I’d like to personally thank all our volunteers across England and Wales for their valuable and worthwhile contribution to the local community. Without volunteers our vital service wouldn’t be able to help people with over 5.7 million problems a year. A special thank you to those volunteers who have been recognised through these awards as having shown exceptional levels of hard work and dedication. The Volunteer of the Year Awards gives the whole Citizens Advice service a chance to celebrate their success."
Volunteers within the Citizens Advice service undertake a variety of different roles. The majority of volunteers work as advisors (76%), but other volunteer roles available in bureaux are: administrators, receptionists, IT coordinators, PR and Marketing support, trustees, campaigners, fundraisers, volunteer recruitment and social policy coordinators.
Bureaux are always on the lookout for new volunteer recruits and anyone interested can contact the Citizens Advice Volunteer hotline on 08451 264264.
Notes to editors on Citizens Advice
- The Citizens Advice service is a network of independent charities that helps people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales;
 www.citizensadvice.org.uk
- The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
- Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at over 3,300 locations across England and Wales.
- Advice and information www.adviceguide.org.uk
- Volunteer hotline 08451 264264 (local rate)
- Citizens Advice Guide to your rights, second edition: January 2008 - over 600 pages of practical, independent CAB advice. An invaluable resource for any bookshelf - available from all good bookshops; price £11.99; ISBN: 9780141034089
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