Last month, Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire celebrated its student volunteers during Student Volunteering Week.
The organisation’s student volunteers dedicate their time to helping clients find a way forward, offering free, confidential, and impartial advice to those in need. As demand for these vital services remains high, the local charity is encouraging students from all backgrounds to get in touch if they can offer their time to support the community.
In 2024, the charity assisted almost 8,000 people with over 29,000 separate issues, including energy bills, rising household costs, debt, benefits, and housing concerns.
Chris Griffin, Deputy CEO at Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire, said: “Volunteers make a real difference to the lives of people in need of support here in North Nottinghamshire. As household budgets remain stretched, our frontline advisers are helping huge numbers of people with their bills and debt – on top of other issues like housing and consumer rights.
“As well as supporting the local community, volunteering with us is incredibly rewarding. Student volunteers, in particular, have the opportunity to develop both personally and professionally – building their confidence, working as part of a team, and learning new skills.”
Scott, a volunteer General Adviser at Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire for the past six months, shared his experience:
“My role enables me to assist the community by listening, advising, and empowering clients to address their issues. Helping individuals find solutions to their problems has a direct impact on their quality of life, making this work incredibly meaningful. Every successful client interview feels incredibly rewarding, reinforcing the positive impact I am making in someone’s life.
“This sense of purpose and accomplishment has been invaluable to my personal growth. I have greatly improved my social skills, and consistent interaction with clients and other volunteers has allowed me to communicate more effectively and confidently.
“Studying law at university has provided me with strong problem-solving skills, which I have actively applied in my volunteering. Many client cases appear simple at first but often reveal complex underlying circumstances. My legal knowledge helps me navigate these situations and provide well-informed advice.
“Volunteering at Citizens Advice has had a profound impact on my personal and professional development. It has improved my wellbeing, enhanced my employability, and strengthened my ability to contribute to the community. The skills and confidence I have gained will continue to benefit me in both my academic and professional journey. Volunteering has reinforced my commitment to this work, and I look forward to further growth in the future.”
Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire is part of a network of independent, local Citizens Advice charities across England and Wales, supported by more than 19,000 volunteers.
People can volunteer in a variety of roles (not just giving advice or support) and gain valuable skills and experience.
Anyone interested in volunteering for Citizens Advice North Nottinghamshire is encouraged to visit www.canns.org.uk/volunteer to express their interest.