HARD-working volunteers have been praised this week for dedicating their time to solving people’s problems and making a difference to their lives.

This week is Volunteers Week – running from June 1 until June 7 – and the city’s Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is offering more people a chance to get involved with an invitation to an information morning later this month.

Worcester Citizens Advice and Worcester Housing and Benefits Advice Centre (WHABAC) has chosen this week to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contribution of its team of 74 volunteers who individually devote six hours each week to help people find a way forward.

Martyn Saunders, chief executive officer, said: “Thanks to our amazing volunteers we are able to continue making a huge difference to people’s lives.

“Our volunteers give up their time for free to help people who may be going through problems to get back on their feet.

“Volunteering also brings its own rewards and is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills.

“If you can spare a few hours each week, we’d love to hear from you.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering with Worcester Citizens Advice Bureau & WHABAC, an information morning is being held at 10am on Thursday, June 22 at the Old Glove Factory, in Lowesmoor, Worcester.

In the last year, Worcester Citizens Advice Bureau & WHABAC has helped 8,722 people with 20,000 problems, from housing and debt issues to benefits and employment rights.

The charity’s volunteers have played a crucial role ensuring people in Worcester get the advice and support they need to get on with their lives at the offices in the Hopmarket and Lowesmoor.

Citizens Advice offers a wide range of voluntary roles – from IT support and advisers to administrators and trustees.

One volunteer, Brandon, started at Worcester Citizens Advice Bureau & WHABAC while studying at university.

He said: “Spending a few hours a week of my time has been and will be incredibly beneficial to my future. I have gained vital, real world experience that I wouldn't otherwise be getting while doing my degree and, as a bonus, I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

"The clients I have encountered have opened my eyes to problems I wouldn't have otherwise encountered, it has been enlightening. I am happy that with a few hours of my time I can make a small difference in somebody else's life and at the same time help my own.

"To summarise, the CAB has been an excellent use of my time and I feel I learn something new every time I leave.”

Nationally, Citizens Advice relies on 23,000 volunteers who help provide support in 2,900 locations across England and Wales – helping 2.7 million people every year.

Thanks to contribution volunteers play in local Citizens Advice, two out of every three clients have their problem solved and four out of five say the advice received improved their lives.