Your local Citizens Advice Bureau recruiting now!

Lenka Caslavska from Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau recruiting now!
“I was surprised by the professionalism of the training. It was as good as any I’d attended in my working life,” said a recent graduate. “I certainly learned a lot about our community, and I appreciated the way my mentor encouraged me until I found my feet. Your colleagues help you, and you learn something new every shift.”
“You never know what you’re going to be asked” says one CAB volunteer. “Sometimes there’s no ‘official’ place to go for answers, so we use our local knowledge." Another says “We often help people who’ve bought something. We explain their legal rights and obligations and explain the various options. We don’t tell people what to do. Our aim is to help clients find the best solution for their particular circumstances.”

While the CAB Website, with answers to more than 2,500 common questions, is available 24/7, Nelson Tasman CAB recently opened satellite offices in Motueka (Community Centre, Mondays 9-noon) and Richmond (TDC Thursdays 10-1.00pm) which has increased the number of people seeking help. Although many still phone or email, having offices in these areas means clients now have the option of talking with someone face-to-face. Sometimes having an independent person listening to your worries helps put things into perspective.
And to be able to provide such a comprehensive, service free of charge to anyone, requires well trained volunteers.
If you are interested in joining the team of volunteers, CAB Nelson Tasman is recruiting now. There’s a mixture of classroom sessions and self-directed modules, before you sit with your mentor to gain practical experience.
Email nelsontasman@cab.org.nz or phone 03 5482117 for an information pack now. Training begins in May.