How did you get into volunteering for Citizens Advice in West Sussex (CAWS)?
I applied to do the Clinical Legal Education module in my final year of university; part of this module includes volunteering at Citizens Advice.
Tell us about your role at the charity and how it relates to your studies?
My role within Citizens Advice is a Level 2 Volunteer Advisor. As part of my studies, I volunteer both in person and online, and use what I learn from communicating with clients, their cases and access to justice, to then write a Clinical Legal Education portfolio, including reflections on my work.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
I most enjoy communicating with clients and advising them, to the best of my ability, in the hope that I can help resolve their issue. As well as the fact that you never know what case the next client will come in with, there’s such a diverse range of issues.
Have you gained any skills since volunteering?
I have gained client interviewing skills, as well as a broad depth of knowledge in many different areas.
What has been the most valuable part of your volunteering experience?
I think the most valuable part of my volunteering experience has been seeing the relief on clients faces when we offer them advice and explain that there are often solutions to their issues.
What would you say to other students considering volunteering for CAWS?
That there’s a lot to be gained from volunteering for CAWS. Not only client interviewing skills and communication skills, but also developing knowledge in areas that you may not have had very much expertise in before.
If you’re interested in volunteer, click here.
