CAB work is highly satisfying

AM surprised that Elizabeth Mueller (Letters, January 29) considers, after her short stab at Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) training, that the “research requirement is a back-covering exercise”. A couple of years ago, in my late sixties I decided that I would have a go at helping as a volunteer at CAB in Scotland. I have now been a “generalist adviser” for two years but I hasten to add that I do not speak for the organisation.

Yes, the training is rigorous but being useful for any organisation such as CAB to be fit for the 21st century requires training and computer skills and yes, that training can be tedious. However, its purpose could not be further from back-covering. A CAB generalist adviser must be able to find out a way of helping anyone who comes through their door when on duty.

Today I spent six hours helping people. What was I asked to look into? Well, I was asked to help with credit card debt; unfair dismissal; gender reassignment; changing one’s name; paying fuel bills and supporting a taxi driver at a meeting of the local licensing board. My “research” was able to help my clients with all of these issues except, oddly, the taxi driver. I was not covering my backside, I was helping people. How else was I to help them without using the internet? How else was I to record what advice I gave without making notes in a systematic way?

I support CAB, because it helps people. The way volunteers can help people is by being properly trained. In 2019 that requires good IT skills. I would recommend any of your readers go to their nearest CAB office to volunteer. Under-staffed offices need more volunteers and it can be very satisfying.

Chris Jefferies,

Mill House, Craigdallie, Inchture, Perth.