If there’s something strange in your neighbourhood. Who you gonna call? CAB!
Those infamous words from Ghostbusters are a cheeky reminder to all that CAB Helensville is available for enquiries ranging from neighbours in dispute (an invisible man sleepin’ in your bed?) to a broken down ride-on (something weird and it don’t look good?) covered under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Weird and wonderful questions have been asked of our trained bureau interviewers from how to get a stain out of her wallpaper after squashing a cockroach to a man wanting to know if he was divorced.
In fact, people often “get stuck” on life’s issues and just need some down-to-earth (including death and dying) advice- who they gonna call? CAB!
Our volunteers are also unique in their own lived experiences, backgrounds and ages ranging from a law student to a born-and-bred local legend who believes age is just a number- it’s the attitude that counts!
Manager Rani Timoti is keen to find more volunteers to add to her absolutely fabulous crew (who aren’t afraid of ghosts - or are they?)
“If you love learning and researching then you’re in for a non-stop ride of brain-stretching. Thanks to our learning and development training programme, volunteers can navigate the CAB website renowned for its accuracy with constant updates and comprehensive information to ensure clients are given options to take the next step in resolving their own problem,” she says.
One of the many spin-offs in being a volunteer is the ability to help family, friends and neighbours.
“Normally, advice from loved ones is not always the best but we are trained to always check, clarify and communicate that we are nailing the relevant information clients need rather than our own opinion, off-the-top of our head or I think. In fact, going onto Google or other search engines or even AI may not be correct or appropriate for the clients with their specific situations.”
Skills and qualities needed for potential volunteers include:
- Relating well with a diverse range of people
- Listens effectively and demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
- Maintains confidentiality
- Is respectful of others
- Is non-judgemental
- Demonstrates confidence and competence using a computer, and willingness to use cabnet to research and record information
- Works within CAB aims, values, principles and policies
- Learns about and participates in the CAB’s commitment to effectiveness for Maori (Mauri Manaia)
- Gives and receives feedback effectively, accepts guidance and assistance
- Conducts client interviews consistent with CAB processes and policies
So if you think you’ve got what it takes to be a volunteer with our empowering team, come call us! Or better still, visit the office to chat to volunteers at reception about why they’re there (in no-ghost form).
CAB Helensville’s office is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm or Saturday from 10am to noon.
Citizens Advice Bureau Helensville
Te Pou Whakawhirinaki o Te Awaroa
16 Commercial Road, Helensville 0800
Phone 09 420 7162 www.cab.org.nz
Email: manager.helensville@cab.org.nz
Volunteers Linda, Kate and Scott in front of the CAB Helensville office
