Citizens Advice Wirral has received a huge number of enquiries from local people struggling to stay on top of household bills as the cost-of-living crisis continues to make life incredibly difficult.
Thanks to the tireless dedication of its volunteers and staff, the local charity has continued to give essential advice and crisis support to help people find a way forward.
In the last year, Citizens Advice Wirral provided information and advice to 114,337 people with problems, including debt advice, housing, benefits and employment issues.
Now, as part of Volunteers’ Week from June 1 to 7, Citizens Advice Wirral is taking the time to highlight the incredible work its volunteers do and thank them for their exceptional contribution to the charity and the Wirral community at large.
The team is holding a celebratory lunch and presentation for Citizens Advice Wirral Volunteers on Wednesday 7 June at the Flourish Wellbeing Hub in Victoria Central Health Center, in order to personally thank the volunteers for continuing to support the people of Wirral with empathy and compassion.
52 hard-working and dedicated volunteers at Citizens Advice Wirral contributed a massive 10,584 hours last year, making a huge difference to the charity and what it is able to achieve to support our community.
Valerie Stevenson, Volunteer Adviser at Citizens Advice Wirral who has volunteered for almost a year now, said, “After I retired from work I was keen to volunteer some time each week. I’ve always been interested in helping to create a more equal society, so Citizens Advice seemed like a good option. I was used to working online and on the phone and I enjoy dealing with a wide range of enquiries. I thought my previous experience would be a good fit with the adviser role.
“Volunteering at Citizens Advice Wirral has been very rewarding. I have really enjoyed listening to the experienced advisers dealing with clients: everyone is so knowledgeable, empathetic and reassuring on the phones. It is a very pleasant work environment and everyone I’ve spoken to has been unfailingly patient and helpful.
“I moved to the Wirral in 2003 to take a job at Liverpool John Moores University Library, intending to go back to Scotland after about 5 years but never made the move as I love living here!”
Carol Johnson-Eyre, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Wirral said, “We’re forever grateful to our wonderful team of volunteers who willingly give up their time and skills to ensure people in Wirral can get the support they need.
“I’m particularly proud of the dedication they’ve shown during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, when demand for our help is so high.
“Their hard work, dedication and commitment is incredible. We simply couldn’t do it without them.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering with Citizens Advice Wirral contact volunteering@citizensadvicewirral.org.uk 
No experience is required, full training and support is provided for volunteer roles. For more information about the types of roles we offer visit the Citizens Advice Wirral website
Image: (L-R) Volunteer, Val Stevenson and Citizens Advice Wirral Chief Officer, Carol Johnson-Eyre
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