Volunteering (Advising) by Epsom And Ewell Citizens Advice Bureau Every Week onMon, Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat) at 8:00 AM /End Date: 31 Dec 2026 Epsom,KT18 5AG Adults (18+)
According to the charity's website, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) is a local charity dedicated to providing free, confidential, and impartial advice to residents of Epsom and Ewell. Their mission is to help individuals resolve legal, financial, and other problems by offering guidance and support. As part of the national Citizens Advice network, CAEE upholds the core values of promoting fairness and empowering individuals to understand and exercise their rights.
Services Offered
Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell offers a comprehensive range of services to address various issues faced by the community. These include assistance with benefits, debt management, housing, employment, and consumer rights. Clients can access support through face-to-face consultations, telephone advice lines, and online resources. The organization also engages in research and campaigns to address systemic issues affecting the local population, striving to bring about positive change through advocacy and policy influence.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the backbone of CAEE, playing a crucial role in delivering services and supporting clients. The organization offers various volunteer roles, including that of an Assessor. Assessors are responsible for conducting initial interviews with clients to understand their issues and determine the most appropriate next steps. This may involve providing self-help information, conducting basic benefit checks, or scheduling appointments with specialist advisers. Interviews can be conducted face-to-face, over the phone, or online, ensuring accessibility for all clients.
Role of an Assessor
Assessors engage directly with clients to explore the problems they seek help with, assess the urgency and complexity of these issues, and evaluate the client's ability to address the problems independently. They provide information to help clients understand their options, summarize the interview content, and explain subsequent steps. Assessors also document the clients' issues and actions taken, contributing to local and national research and campaigns by identifying prevalent issues within the community.
Becoming an Assessor
No specific qualifications or prior experience are required to become an Assessor at CAEE. However, prospective volunteers should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, good listening abilities, and a friendly, approachable demeanour. Basic math and IT skills are beneficial, along with a non-judgmental attitude and respect for diverse views and cultures. A willingness to learn about and adhere to the principles and policies of Citizens Advice, including confidentiality and data protection, is essential. Comprehensive training is provided, along with ongoing support and supervision to ensure volunteers are well-equipped to assist clients effectively.
Supporting Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell
As an independent local charity, CAEE relies on fundraising to cover operational costs. Community members can support the organization through donations, which can be made via JustGiving—a fee-free platform that allows for Gift Aid top-ups, increasing the donation by 25%. Additionally, individuals can contribute by leaving a gift in their will, sponsoring events, volunteering, or engaging in business support. Such contributions are vital in enabling CAEE to continue offering essential services to the Epsom and Ewell communities.
Empowering the Local Community
Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell plays a pivotal role in empowering the local community. Beyond resolving individual cases, the organization actively educates residents about their rights and responsibilities. Through workshops and outreach programs, CAEE equips individuals with the tools to navigate complex systems such as welfare benefits, employment disputes, and housing issues. By fostering self-reliance and awareness, CAEE strengthens the fabric of the community, ensuring that people are better prepared to handle challenges independently in the future.
Campaigns for Social Justice
Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell is not just a service provider but also an advocate for systemic change. By collecting data from the issues faced by their clients, the organization identifies patterns and systemic injustices. These insights are used to inform local and national campaigns aimed at improving laws, policies, and practices. CAEE has been instrumental in advocating for fair housing policies, better employment rights, and access to mental health services. Their campaigns often involve collaborations with other organizations, amplifying their impact and reach.
Digital Inclusion Initiatives
Recognizing the increasing reliance on digital platforms, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell has introduced initiatives to bridge the digital divide. Many clients, especially those from vulnerable groups, struggle with accessing online services. CAEE provides support in developing basic IT skills, accessing government portals, and using digital tools effectively. These efforts ensure that individuals who lack digital literacy are not left behind in accessing vital resources and services.
For more information, we encourage you to visit the charity's web site by clicking the link below.
Image generated by ChatGPT.
Key Requirements:
Moderation & Support / Friendliness / Comforting / Communication Skills
Call: 01372732626
Email: office@caee.org.uk
Address: The Old Town Hall, The Parade, Epsom, England, Great Britain, KT18 5AG
The charity's objects are to promote any charitable purpose for the public benefit by the advancement of education, the protection and preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress in particular, but without ...Read More
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