Citizens Advice Bromley thanks volunteers for solving people’s problems and making a difference to their lives by holing an afternoon tea event on Tuesday 6th June at Bickley Manor.

Citizens Advice Bromley is celebrating the inspirational volunteers who dedicate their time to solving people’s problems and making a difference to their lives.

To mark Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), the charity is shining a spotlight on the remarkable contribution of its team of 65 volunteers who give up on average 325 hours each week to help people find a way forward.

In the last year, Citizens Advice Bromley has helped 6,312 people with 17,989 issues, from housing and debt issues to benefits and employment rights. The charity’s volunteers have played a crucial role ensuring people in Bromley Town, Beckenham, Orpington, Penge, St Paul’s Cray and the surrounding areas get the advice and support they need to get on with their lives.

Citizens Advice offers a wide range of voluntary roles - from IT support and advisers to administrators and trustees.

Carol, 55, started volunteering when her children had both left home and started university. She said: “I wanted something to keep my brain active and after helping my in-laws and friends access benefits, discovered Citizens Advice. I really enjoy the variety of problems that clients need help with and the sense of achievement when their problem is resolved. Working with a team again after a few years out of the work place adds to the enjoyment.

Loraine Whittaker, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Bromley said: “Thanks to our amazing volunteers we are able to continue making a huge difference to people’s lives. “Our volunteers give up their time for free to help people who may be going through problems to get back on their feet.

“Volunteering also brings its own rewards and is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills.

“If you can spare a few hours each week, we’d love to hear from you.”

Nationally Citizens Advice relies on 23,000 volunteers who help provide support in 2,900 locations across England and Wales - helping 2.7 million people every year.

Thanks to contribution volunteers play in local Citizens Advice, two out of every three clients have their problem solved and four out of five say the advice received improved their lives.

If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering with Citizens Advice Bromley contact Susan Ryall- recruitment@bromcab.org.uk or 02083151981 Mondays and Tuesdays.

Submitted by Fiona Spall