Welcoming disabled volunteers

“I really love this role as I get to interact with the staff and the clients who are all really nice”.

David is an admin assistant at Citizens Advice County Durham, Consett office. He was previously a volunteer with the Blind Society and has been volunteering with Citizens Advice for two years.

"Since volunteering with Citizens Advice I have gained more administrative skills and interpersonal skills.“I currently work as an administrative assistant working on reception. My day to day work consists of giving forms to clients, making copies of documents, speaking with clients who are waiting and generally being a helpful person.

Before becoming a volunteer at Citizens Advice I had to do a test and an induction. I am visually impaired so find it difficult to read. To support me someone sat with me to read the questions which really helped. I have not needed any adjustments at work so far but am sure should I need any they would be put on place.”

“I have been with Citizen's Advice for one year now and enjoyed every minute!”

Claire is an adviser at Arun and Chichester Citizens Advice and has been volunteering for one year.

“I had been tempted to apply for a volunteer role at Citizens Advice for a long time then I decided to go for it. I was a bit worried if I would be accepted because I have Cerebral Palsy. I was delighted to find out that this was no problem at all.

I was surprised at the different ways that clients can access advice. I originally thought it was just telephone advice. I was so happy that I could be an adviser and give advice via email.

As an adviser, I work remotely and give clients advice on their issues on the email channel.

I have been with Citizen's Advice for one year now and enjoyed every minute! The thing I enjoy most about my role is knowing that I am helping someone when I give advice.

Volunteering has made a huge difference to me. I really enjoy the routine of volunteering and I am more happy, confident and it has really helped me with my reading abilities.

To anyone thinking of volunteering at Citizens Advice Claire says:

I would say go for it and give it a go! The training was enjoyable, and I learnt a lot about many interesting topics like employment, housing, benefits and loads more. The support you get here is great too. There is always someone to go to if you have any questions or need help with the advice you are giving.

“Volunteering is really enjoyable for me, I’ve gained lots of understanding about issues that affect clients, I’ve become more sociable and I feel like I am doing something truly worthwhile helping to fill a role that’s really needed.”

"I’ve been a volunteer at Newcastle Citizens Advice for 12 years and provide advice to clients via email two afternoons a week.

I’ve never been in paid work due to my disability. I have cerebral palsy so I’m unable to walk, talk clearly and use my hands properly.  I also have possible Multiple Sclerosis so I get tired very quickly.

For me my disability hasn't hindered me becoming a volunteer. I love the fact that I am able to do much more than just inputting [that I’ve done in previous volunteer roles]. Because of how the service is set up I am able to give advice via email which is really interesting. Email advice is good for me as it’s not live advice so I do not have to be a speed typer. I can take a bit more time sending over the advice to clients.  

I have only needed a small adjustment to help me work, which was a keyboard. I have not found any difficulties volunteering. The staff are really supportive and kind which makes working with them so nice.

If you are considering volunteering, I would say find something you’re interested in go to you local Citizens Advice to see how you can get involved.”

“Volunteering gives me a sense of achievement to be able to help people through what can be an extremely difficult and upsetting time.”

Stuart is a Witness Service Volunteer at Nottingham Crown Court. He started volunteering in September 2013, prior to Citizens Advice taking responsibility for the Service in 2015. Stuart is also involved with the Nottingham group of the MS Society and acts as a volunteer patient for the NHS. He shared his story as part of Volunteers' Week 2022.

“I began volunteering with the Witness Service after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I was working as a trainee accountant and was unable to return to the role due to the physical limitations caused by the condition. I had just turned 29 so I decided to look into volunteering opportunities. Someone who had volunteered for the Witness Service suggested it to me as an option. It sounded like an interesting role so I decided to give it a try. Nearly 9 years later I’m still there!

I am a Witness Service volunteer at Nottingham Crown Court and occasionally at the Magistrates Court too. My role is to support victims and witnesses when they come to court to give evidence. This includes explaining what to expect and to answer any other questions or concerns they may have around being at court. We are there to help them give their best evidence and support them through what can be a very traumatic experience.

The role is court based but occasionally we will speak to people over the phone to talk about court processes if they are unable to attend a pre-trial visit in person.

I enjoy feeling like I still have a purpose. Volunteering has helped me to have a reason to carry on.

Volunteering gives me a sense of achievement to be able to help people through what can be an extremely difficult and upsetting time.

When someone has given their evidence and thanks you for the support you’ve provided, it really gives you a sense of doing something good.” 

Your next step?

To find out more about volunteering with us and to apply search for volunteering opportunities near you!