Newcastle Citizens Advice Volunteers
tell their own stories:
Adam | Carole | Margaret
| Richard
Generalist Adviser and Volunteer Tutor: Adam
Hi, my name is Adam and I have two voluntary roles at Newcastle CAB. As well as being a Generalist Adviser I am also a Guidance Tutor to new trainee advisers. I have been asked to write a few words about how I ended up volunteering for the CAB and how I have benefited from the time I have given to the Bureau, both personally and professionally.
When I first applied to join the CAB in May 2003 I was unemployed and losing confidence in my own abilities. I was finding it difficult to find a job I wanted to do, and was resigned to doing exactly the same thing I was doing before.
I needed a change and I needed to push myself into a more challenging role, so when a guy I knew suggested volunteering at the CAB I thought I might as well give it a try.
As I was claiming Jobseekers Allowance at the time I had to inform the Job Centre that I was volunteering, however this did not affect my state benefits in any way. Shortly afterwards I found a part time evening job and I made the decision to try and live on a part time wage while continuing to gain experience as an adviser. It was a bit of a struggle financially, but I was sure in my mind I was doing the right thing for my long term career goals – it was a bit like going back to college really, but without the student loan.
The initial training was extensive before I even got to see my first client - it involved over 100 hours of learning over a period of around six months. When I finally started advising I found the first few interviews nerve-wracking, but with the continued support from the paid staff and the more experienced volunteer advisers, I soon became confident working with clients.
The skills and knowledge I was gaining from the CAB were becoming apparent to me every time I read the Thursday Evening Chronicle jobs section. My experience gained from advising were opening up more and more interesting and challenging paid roles that I could realistically apply for.
In the end, a great job came up at Volunteer Centre Newcastle which I was fortunate enough to get – it’s a role which involves promoting volunteering opportunities to everyone in the City of Newcastle . As well as this paid part-time role I still enjoy volunteering for Newcastle CAB, and you might even see me around if you are tempted to volunteer for us.
I have gained a lot from my time at the bureau – more confidence, a better paid job as well as a great set of friends. It didn’t always come easily though, and I would suggest to others considering volunteering at the CAB that they should be aware of the commitment required as well as the rewards on offer. I found it well worth the effort – I hope you will too.