Volunteering at Citizens Advice Hull and East Riding

Citizens Advice Hull and East Riding help people with a range of problems including issues with housing, debt, benefits, employment, relationships and consumer rights.

Often people have more than one issue they need help with. Last year, they saw over 23,000 people about 102,000 different advice issues.

People access them in different ways, mostly by phone.

Their volunteers are an integral part the service. Volunteers complete comprehensive training and with supervision, help clients with their issues. They help face to face, by phone and by email. Without them the charity would not be able to see the number of people each year that they do.

To hear more about volunteering with the charity visit their volunteering page for a video from Mariam, Peter and Alan. You can also hear from their supervisor, Helena, talking about her role supporting volunteers.

Lynne’s Service user story

Lynne was advised elsewhere to claim Universal Credit without an explanation of the implications and financial consequences. Her income fell by £177 per week.  Lynne started to build up debts and she was feeling stressed an anxious.

The Citizens Advice Volunteer Adviser made a complaint on Lynne’s behalf and she was offered an apology and £100. As this was not a satisfactory response the Adviser challenged this and took the case to the Independent Case Examiner with support from the charities Specialist Caseworkers.

In the intervening period the Advisers continued to support and advise Lynne on other issues. After a two year wait the case was upheld and Lynne was compensated for the loss of Tax Credits over a two year period – approximately £16,000.

Inspired to volunteer with Citizens Advice Hull and East Riding?

You can also find out more about what Citizens Advice Hull and East Riding do as an organisation, their volunteer roles, sign up for a taster sessions and apply to become a volunteer at www.hullandeastridingcab.org.uk/volunteering/

You can also find details of their work on Facebook @CABHullEastRiding & Twitter @hullandercab