volunteer's story

Volunteers are essential to Stoke CAB. They allow us to help far more people than we would be able to without them, and they root our service in the communities it serves. Each year about 60 local people are recruited and trained as volunteer advisers and about a dozen people a year use volunteering as a step into employment.

Janine has been a volunteer at the bureau since January 2006. She joined after coming to the bureau for advice, and an adviser suggested she consider volunteering with us.

At the time Janine was consulting the bureau about her financial problems. We advised her about bankruptcy and supported her through the process.

“I came into the bureau falling to pieces, and left with a smile on my face, because I could see light at the end of the tunnel. When it was suggested that I volunteered, I thought I don’t have any degrees, and I was worried about my English and Maths, but the adviser told me about the training, and about tools I could use so I didn’t have to worry about that.”

“I have now completed the basic training course, and am working as a volunteer generalist adviser. I have also recently joined the debt team, and can now use my experience of debt to help others.”

“I have an amazing time here as a volunteer, I really enjoy helping others and have made some really great friends. It has given me a new direction in life, and I hope now to pursue a career in advice, something I wouldn’t have thought of doing if I hadn’t volunteered.”