Volunteering

I can’t afford to volunteer

It is important to us that it doesn’t cost you any money to volunteer. Therefore we will reimburse all of your reasonable expenses.

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I’m worried that I will lose my benefits

Volunteering will not affect your benefits provided you abide by the usual regulations for that benefit. For example, it won't affect Jobseeker's Allowance provided you

• take reasonable steps to find a job
• can be available for work for 40 hours each week
• inform the Job Centre/Jobcentre Plus that you are volunteering
• can attend interview within 48 hours and take up work within one week.

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I don't have the time

Our volunteer opportunities all need varying amounts of time, from advisers who usually volunteer at least two sessions per week, to our trustees who meet once every 2 months.

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I don't know anything about the law, how can I be an adviser?

Most of our advisers didn't when they started either. We will provide you with the training you need and support you every step of the way.

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I don't have any skills to offer

The most important quality is wanting to be a CAB volunteer. There is training available for most of our volunteering opportunities, so please don't feel you have nothing to offer. CAB cares more about what kind of people its volunteers are, not what they know before they start. So, are you a good listener? Are you willing to learn, and enjoy helping others?

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I'm not sure I would fit as your 'typical' volunteer

Every CAB is committed to delivering a service regardless of age, race, gender, disability or nationality. Moreover, every CAB strives to reflect the community it represents. We therefore welcome all volunteers, and will make decisions based only on a person's ability to perform a role.

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Am I too old to volunteer?

There is no 'retirement age' in volunteering, we judge everyone on their merits.

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Am I too young to volunteer?

There are no age limits except for:

• Advisers – the minimum age limit is 16
• Trustees – the minimum age limit is 18

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I have a disability, can I volunteer with you?

We encounter volunteers with a wide range of impairments or disabilities, which impact on the level of support we need to offer, both in terms of training and of working within the bureau.

It is therefore important that any needs are fully discussed and explored at the earliest opportunity.

The range of potential support needs may include:

• the physical environment, such as space, computer equipment, an induction loop, parking
• working practices, such as the provision of training packs in a different format
• personal support such as the use of a sign interpreter, note taker or reader.

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I've never volunteered before and not sure whether it's right for me

Most of our volunteers had never volunteered before either. It is important to us that you are happy volunteering at the bureau so we will talk through with you what your role is, what our and your expectations are and how we will support you. We will also provide you with a full induction to make sure you feel part of the bureau team. Can you commit yourself to a number of hours each week? If you answer 'Yes' you could become a CAB volunteer.

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