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Volunteering with Teignbridge CAB

Gateway Assessors Training - Starts April 2012

We are holding two Taster Session in March for potential Gateway Assessors. 

Tuesday 6th March at 10am, Bitton House Teignmouth, TQ14 9DF Map

Wednesday 7th March, 2pm Scout Hut, Wolborough St, Newton Abbot, TQ12 1LJ Map

If you are attending either Taster Session or would like more information please email Ken   Each session will last no more than two hours.  Tea and coffee will be available.

You can also download an application form  and send to kenpickering@teignbridgecab.org.uk

Role of a Gateway Assessor

Gateway assessors help clients get the right help in the fastest time possible. They assess people’s needs, either face-to-face or over the phone, and identify the most appropriate course of action. That might be self-help information, referral to a specialist project or an appointment with a CAB adviser. As a gateway assessor you would:

  • explore the client’s problem(s) and situation
  • assess the risk/urgency of the client’s issue and their ability to deal with the problem themselves
  • identify the next step that needs to be taken
  • summarise the content of the interview for the client and explain what happens next
  • ensure clients know they can return if necessary
  • update the database, completing the gateway assessment screens.

Specific qualifications or experience are not required to train for the role. You do need to:

  • be good at listening
  • have a good manner when talking to people face to face or over the telephone
  • have good keyboard skills and are used to using computing
  • be open minded and non-judgmental
  • enjoy helping people.

 CAB Trained Adviser

If you have recently worked for another CAB or equivalent advice service and have completed your adviser or gateway assessor training, we would like to hear from you.  Please email kenpickering@teignbridgecab.org.uk

Trustee Board

We currently have two vacancies on our Trustee Board   see details

Ten great reasons to volunteer

  1. Make a difference
    It can be incredibly rewarding to contribute something non-financial to a cause you care about.
  2. Boost your confidence
    Trying something new and getting out of your comfort zone every now and then can do wonders for your confidence levels.  
  3. Do something interesting
    Don’t let your spare time trickle away – fill it doing something interesting and challenging.
  4. Meet new people
    Tired of doing the same things with the same group of friends? Widen your circle and horizons by meeting people you might not normally.
  5. Improve your prospects
    Having volunteering on your CV demonstrates that you’re someone with initiative and a rounded life. Nearly one third of the volunteers who leave the service each year go on into paid work.
  6. Get to know your community
    Whether you’ve lived in a town for 20 years or have just moved there as a student, you’ll develop a great feel for the people and the place at a CAB.
  7. Put your talents to use
    Use it or lose it! Got the gift of languages? Volunteer as an interpreter. A flair for design? Create reception displays. The possibilities are endless.  
  8. Enjoy free training
    Adviser training is accredited by the Open College Network, and other skills like PR, campaigning and administration can be learnt on the job in a supportive environment.
  9. Gain office-based work experience
    Get ahead of the competition for jobs and university places with some real life experience. Law students, for example, can knock 6 months off their training contract by volunteering as an adviser.
  10. We need you!
    Seventy five per cent of the people who work in the Citizens Advice service are volunteers, and we simply wouldn’t be here for our clients without them.

What our volunteers say

“The best thing about volunteering is the opportunity to meet very different clients with very different cases and very different attitudes! It’s not a routine procedure, it’s vibrant.”
Farai Masekesa

“I volunteered because I have some skills and experience accumulated over many years that I wanted to offer to my community, and because I wanted to learn some new tricks.”
Vic Leader

“I get a sense of being involved. I like being part of the bureau activities and keeping up with issues, and we have a laugh too.”
Karin, Oxford CAB

“The training was extremely thorough. The support is fantastic from everyone in the bureau. I find being an adviser rewarding, stimulating, at times humbling, and very enjoyable.”
Barbara, Rhyl CAB

"The Citizens Advice service challenges the social issues I feel passionate about. As a trustee I can help redress the imbalance of injustice"
Azad

“It’s great being able to help people in so many different ways, being able to learn from and appreciate what others are experiencing, and there’s a real co-operative spirit in the bureau.”
Michael, Tonbridge CAB

"Within a year of becoming a CAB volunteer adviser, I was employed as a Youth Advice Worker. This is my first paid job for a long time, and I know I wouldn't have had this opportunity otherwise."
Amanda

“I have increased confidence, much more knowledge, lots of new friends and respect from my children.”
Margaret, Havering CAB

"Being a CAB volunteer has helped me to see how a small active business runs and to experience working in a team in an office."
Andrew

“I wish I’d started 30 years ago! I’ve learned new skills, including computing. Volunteering with CAB keeps you involved with the real world.”
Sheila, Witney and District CAB