Hackney Citizens’ Advice Bureau seeks volunteer advisers

Citizens Advice can help you with your debt problems. Photograph: Lemon Jenny

While the shops are full of glitter and it seems that everyone else is having a good time, life’s problems are no respecters of the holiday spirit.  Debts do not go away, and the rent still needs paying.  And the stresses of the holiday season – pressure to spend money you may not have, or to spend time with relations you may not like – can make things worse.

The good news is that the Hackney Citizens’ Advice Bureau is still here to help.  We do so by drawing on local community spirit and the satisfaction of giving time to support others.  Those gifts are not measured in pounds and pence, but they do demonstrate the true spirit of Christmas.  And they last throughout the year.

At Hackney CAB we offer advice and active support on a whole range of problems – money and debts, benefits, housing, employment, relationships and immigration.  Many of our clients need help on a number of issues.  Our service is completely free, confidential and independent, and open to all.

Want to get involved?

Being a volunteer adviser can be hugely rewarding, as well as helping you to gain new skills.  You will also learn more about your community as well as local and national issues that affect us all. By collecting evidence at the local level, Citizens Advice work to change legislation at the national level.

I started training to be an adviser about 18 months ago after I retired.  The training was rigorous and wide-ranging – as it must be, given the trust which our clients place in us.  For example, learning about the extremely complex benefits system would bring even the strongest of us to our knees but the hard work has been worthwhile. It means we can help people facing difficulties to access the correct advice, advocacy and services.

I already feel I have done more good in 18 months as an adviser than I did in 39 years in my paid job.  And I have certainly had more thanks.  It is amazing (and humbling) to find out how much practical difference you can make to someone’s life by digging out a key bit of information about the rules, or doggedly pursuing a good case until someone in authority listens.

Apart from the adviser role, we also need all sorts of volunteers to help run the bureau and campaign for change.   Find out more at eastendcab.org.uk or give us a ring on 020 8525 6350.

Want to find us?

You may have noticed that the main CAB has moved up the road to 300 Mare Street, on the corner with Morning Lane.

All of us at Hackney CAB hope you have a very Merry Christmas.  And we will do our best to make sure you also have a happy and trouble-free New Year.

Sheila Harris is a Hackney resident and CAB volunteer.