More CAB advisors needed

Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau is seeking more volunteers to train as advisers to help meet an increased demand for their services.

The CAB adviser training programme starts on Monday, January 14 in Stirling University, from 9.30am-3pm each week for 13 weeks. Once the classes are completed, advisers should be available to do on- the- job shadowing for half a day and once certificated, one day a week advising the public.

The advice service is open for this 10am-3pm Monday to Thursday and volunteer expenses are paid.

Bureau manager Craig Anderson said:“Around 95 per cent of CAB advisers are, in fact, trained volunteers. Anyone can volunteer. You don’t have to come with formal qualifications or a vast amount of knowledge.

“Our training will help you become a confident adviser with a constantly updated information system to work with. Because we always want our staff to reflect the community they serve, we hope people of all ages and backgrounds will be interested.

“Because people move on, get new jobs or go on to further and higher education –often because of the skills and experience they gain with the bureau – we always need more volunteers.

“The impact of the welfare reforms is also adding to the need for more frontline advisers.”

As well as volunteering to be an adviser, people are also needed to act as CAB board members, help with IT, social media, research, fundraising and marketing.

For more about volunteering with the local CAB contact Craig Anderson on 01786 464773 or email: craiganderson@stirlingcab. casonline.org.uk or pop into CAB, 3 Cameronian Street, Stirling, FK8 2DX between 10am-3pm.