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The CAB Service is
- Independent
- Impartial
- Confidential
- Free
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VOLUNTEER IT SUPPORT NEEDED
To support our new advice services based in:
Kings Hill
Snodland
East Malling
Please come into the bureau or call 01732 361709 for more information about this vacancy.
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A newly qualified adviser describes his experience of training with
Tonbridge CAB
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I came to the CAB having worked for many years in business and also with the experience
of running my own business for 10 years. After taking early retirement
I felt that I would like to do something which made a difference to people
and having heard about the CAB thought this would be ideal.
I originally applied to the Bureau for a paid part-time
administrative position but then discovered that the trainee adviser programme
sounded a lot more interesting (albeit unpaid!). I was able to commit
myself to two days a week for the training which meant
that I could complete it more quickly. Although having the experience
of previous employment the training was quite a steep learning curve.
There is a lot of information to assimilate but the Citizens Advice
computerised information system is very comprehensive and easy to use.
As I worked through the training I became more interested in dealing
with debt issues and hoped to pursue this further, ideally in a paid position,
once I had qualified. I duly took on a small group of debt clients which
meant I was able to deal with the whole debt process rather than only
seeing a small part of the client's problem.
I would definitely recommend the training programme to anyone who wants to gain
experience and confidence in a friendly environment before moving back
into paid work.
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Volunteering and other ways
that you can help us
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New opportunities for volunteer advisers in 2010
Tonbridge & Malling CAB opened three new outreach services in
Kings Hill, Snodland and East Malling in 2009. We need new volunteer advisers to maintain this outreach service.
The services are based at the following places:
Kings Hill - where Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is providing
office space on their Gibson Drive site.
Snodland - based at Holmesdale Community College.
East Malling - at the Community Centre in Twisden Road.
We are also looking for more advisers for the Tonbridge Bureau.
Who are we looking for?
Motivated individuals with good inter-personal skills
to train as CAB advisers.
Have I the right experience to be an adviser?
Angela Newey, Tonbridge CAB's manager states:
"There's no such thing as a 'typical' CAB volunteer - people come from
every age range and background. They may be:
between careers
moving back into the job market after caring for children or others
have time on their hands
be retired
just want to do something new
Whatever their personal motivation, we can promise they will never be bored
and although it is hard work, it's good to know you can actually make a difference."
What training will I get?
Anne Eaves, Tonbridge CAB's Training Manager writes:
"All advisers follow the Citizens Advice training programme, a flexible
and comprehensive learning package which includes self-study, formal short courses,
e-learning modules on consumer, debt, benefits and immigration as well as building up experience
from regular interviewing of clients.
CAB volunteers have access to some of the best training and expertise in the world,
with specialist computer information systems, a friendly and supportive environment
and the chance to specialise in areas of particular interest. Oh - and they have fun!"
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Angela Newey continues:
"The training will be run in small groups at Kings Hill and Tonbridge with further
'on the job' experience at Kings Hill, East Malling and Snodland as these services come
on stream. People need to be able to commit to at least one day per week, although
volunteers can do more if they like.
For anyone interested in volunteering, we promise that their investment
of time and enthusiasm will be more than matched by the skills and information they
acquire as a CAB volunteer.
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Who do I contact?
If you want to know more about being an adviser at our new outreach services, please contact:
Anne Eaves on 01732 373823
Further information about all our volunteer positions (such as adviser, receptionitst, etc.)
is given below.
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Volunteering
The CAB service relies on volunteers.
Volunteers help Tonbridge CAB in many ways. You can:
- learn to be a CAB Adviser helping others to solve their problems. All
advisers undertake an accredited training course.
- help by becoming an Administrator, helping with clerical and administration
tasks in the bureau.
- become a Receptionist, greeting our clients and aiding in the smooth running of the Bureau.
- become a Campaigner (also known as a Social Policy Coordinator) who
compiles evidence of problems brought to the bureau which can assist in
changing laws, policies and practices for the better.
If you would like to volunteer, please call in to the bureau or telephone
us on 01732 361 709.
Click
HERE
for the address, and opening hours of the Tonbridge CAB.
Or you can call the national CAB volunteer recruitment line on 08451 264 264.
Or visit
the CAB volunteer page at
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/join-us
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Donations and Fund Raising
The Tonbridge CAB is an independent charity and relies on donations and grants
from organisations and individuals to cover its everyday running costs.
If you think you can help with fund raising or
would like to make a donation, please contact the Tonbridge CAB at:
3-4 River Walk
Tonbridge
Kent
TN9 1DT
or telephone our administration line at 01732 361 709
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