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Volunteer for us
Become a volunteer in 3 simple steps
Become a Volunteer
Volunteers are a vital part of who we are, why we are here and how we make a difference every day to hundreds of residents across West Sussex, with volunteers based in Crawley, Horsham, Haywards Heath, East Grinstead, Burgess Hill, Worthing, Shoreham, Lancing and more.
Without volunteers we cannot be there fore our users, we have a range of roles to suit your skills, time and interests.
Our volunteers come from varied backgrounds, experience and ages but all are special.
We provide training, support and dedicated supervisor, access to learning resources and travel expenses are paid.
If you are interested you can apply in just 3 simple steps:
1) Have a read of our roles below and let us know you are interested by filling in an application, popping into one of our offices or email at volunteer@westsussexcab.org.uk
2) Speak to one of our team about what you are interested in and see if we are a match.
3) Start your role with your new supervisor.
Join us in making a change now and join our team in West Sussex!
Latest Volunteer Opportunities
- Volunteer Advisor
- Casework Support Volunteer
- Events/Fundraising Volunteer
- Volunteer Project Administrator – Macmillan Crawley
- Volunteer Receptionist / Meet and Greet
- Volunteer Community Information Champion
- Debt Case Support Volunteer
- Benefits Form Filler Volunteer
- Volunteer Administrator – Horsham
We sometimes recruit to other roles such as administration or have projects available such as community engagement or events. You can email to ask if there are any other opportunities or if you have a particular skill or experience to give pro bono.
Time Commitment
So we can be there for our clients we ask people to commit to a pattern for the role but usually at least one day per week. Advisor roles have more training so advice volunteers need to be able to commit to completing the training and time for appointments and telephone or drop in advice.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q. Who can volunteer at Citizens Advice?
Anyone can volunteer above the age of 16 years old. We welcome people from all backgrounds.
Whoever you are, we would love you to join us.
Q. Are there certain skills I need to be a Citizens Advice volunteer?
Citizens Advice in West Sussex is a learning environment and comprehensive, free training is given to all volunteers.
For all roles, you just need to be non-judgemental, able to listen, and keen to learn.
Let us know if you already have specialist skills or experience and we can see how they could best be applied within our service.
Q. What support will I get as a volunteer?
Volunteers are fully supported and supervised throughout their time at Citizens Advice in West Sussex. When you join, you will get more details on who is supporting you day-to-day and with any training you may be doing.
We will work with you to help ensure that you find volunteering with us rewarding and enjoyable.
Q. How do volunteers support our Service?
We are a volunteer-led charity and we could not support the community without them.
Our volunteers are excellent ambassadors for our core values. They also build relationships in the community and expand our service delivery.
Q. What should I think about when applying?
This is an opportunity to find the best match for you, so give clear and honest examples of what you are looking for and what your strengths are. Give good examples of what you’ve done in the past or how you might approach something is much better than simply saying you can do something.
Q. Can I volunteer if I claim benefits?
Many people start volunteering when they are unemployed so they can learn new skills and gain experience.
In most cases, there is no limit as long as the only money you get from volunteering is to cover expenses like travel costs and you continue to meet the conditions of the benefit you get.
We are a diverse and inclusive charity and encourage applications from people of all ages, across all our communities including people with lived experiences.
If you have any support, access or equipment needs, Citizens Advice in West Sussex will be happy to discuss these with you to enable you to volunteer.
What will you get out of volunteering with us?
- Make a difference!
- Expand your knowledge and skills such as digital, social welfare law
- Give you a sense of belonging while being introduced to new people and friends from all different backgrounds
- Improve valuable skills like communication and problem-solving
- Access excellent training which builds on your experience
- Support to learn about a range of issues that affect our clients
- Become part of a wider network within the Voluntary and Charity Sector
- Gain a great addition to your CV and work skills to support you in your career development
Meet Joanne
“After practising as a solicitor for over 20 years, I decided to retire from my position where I managed a small team and focused on providing employment law advice to private clients. When I began volunteering at Citizens Advice it made me aware that individuals often need more advice than a free half hour slot and of course many people cannot afford solicitors’ fees.”
“I therefore decided to combine working part time in private practice with volunteering at CAWS for one or two (and sometimes more!) days a week. There are very few organisations providing free legal advice in West Sussex.”
“It is very satisfying to work with residents of West Sussex in resolving their workplace disputes and to know that I have helped to make a difference. It is also a pleasure to work with a group of people at CAWS who are so committed to the work of Citizens Advice.”
Meet Emma
“I had been looking for a voluntary role within my local community and liked the level of local involvement the role at CAWS offered. When an opportunity came up to be involved with the Learning and Development Team at CAWS, I jumped at it. Having gone through the remote training process relatively recently, I felt confident in my ability to add value to the team at a time when demand for training new volunteers was high.”
“I love working as part of a team and it’s great to meet the new volunteers as they come on board. The most valuable part of my volunteering experience is being part of an organisation that is delivering amazing service to the people of West Sussex. CAWS is constantly striving to expand its reach to those who are most disadvantaged.”
“I would highly recommend volunteering. CAWS is friendly, supportive and flexible. The work is challenging and rewarding. Whatever your background or experience you will be given the knowledge, skills and confidence to undertake your role and be valued for your contribution to the service.”
