ROY Cooper says he gets a great deal of satisfaction from helping the people who drop in to see him at the Bromsgrove Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

"I don't do this job to get compliments but when you do something quite simple and then hear how useful you have been, it is a really wonderful feeling," said Roy, who comes from Marlbrook.

Roy is one of 19 volunteers at the CAB office in Birmingham Road who work one and a half days per week to help townsfolk with all matter of concerns.

"You name a problem and we deal with it, from housing to finance, from legal to employment. And what may not be a problem for one person, could be a crisis for another," he said.

Roy has run an engineering company, which builds and services water-cooling towers, for around 30 years and although the firm is still up and running, he has started to wind down.

"I started an apprenticeship many years ago and after I completed my training I became a self-employed engineer where I gained quite a lot of experience in business and in life. It has come a long way and I am starting to take a back seat now," said Roy.

He saw an advert in the Advertiser/Messenger asking for volunteers at the CAB office and thought 'I bet I can do that.'

So, last October Roy signed up to become a part-time CAB volunteer and has now just completed his training.

"I started in a group of five trainees on the initial training course, which lasts about five months," explained Roy.

"This included one and a half days per week working on modules covering an extensive variety of issues and supervised by a guidance tutor. During this time there was the opportunity to observe trained advisers interviewing and to get familiar with the procedures within the bureau."

Roy and his colleagues then took part in another course in Birmingham, which taught them more hands-on skills, including telephone answering and interviewing techniques.

"On my return to the bureau, I started carrying out mentored interviews, both interviewing and observing to build up confidence and I then really felt I was becoming part of the team," he said.

Seven months on and Roy has just started to see clients on his own. However, he is quick to add there is always someone on hand to refer to should a query which he can't deal with arise.

"The Bromsgrove branch of the CAB does not have any employees who have specialist knowledge in one area, like at some CABs. But there are people here, like the manager Sonia Hambridge, who have years of experience and there are also plenty of resources to tap into."

The Bromsgrove CAB has five paid for staff, 19 volunteers and a number of clerical and reception staff but is always looking to recruit more volunteers.

"It really is a lovely place to work. My colleagues are of all ages, from a wide variety of backgrounds but rather than a clash of personalities it is a welding of personalities."

Roy added: "The workload can be heavy at times but this is far overshadowed by the good feeling and satisfaction I get when I have been able to help a client with a problem,

"In summary, no regrets. I can do, so can you," he said.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Bromsgrove CAB, which is based opposite the Rover's Victoria Ground, call 01527 831480.

The office is open on Monday between 9.30am and 3.30pm and Tuesday to Thursday from 9.30am until 3pm.