How do our volunteers at Citizens Advice Bureau Helensville make a difference?
For every single client it depends on what they need within the scope of what can be delivered.
Clients ask for help to resolve a problem or work through an issue they may get stuck on. They may not be able to find a way forward and need reassurance they’re on the right track.
“There are many things which can be thrown at us but we take time to get it right, often starting as a listening ear before unpacking the issue, researching and evaluating options,” says manager Rani Timoti.
A robust learning and development programme is the mainstay of volunteers who navigate categories like relationships, tenancy and employment to out-of-the-blue questions such as how to get a stain out of wallpaper after crushing a cockroach?!
Volunteers come from all walks of life and often wear more than the CAB hat in South Kaipara and Nor-west including a school board, community patrol and walking group.
“Our backgrounds and interests cover all sorts of lived experiences ranging from journalism, business and finance to ocean swimming, boogie boarding and golf/disc golf. From grandparents to an Auckland University law student, aligning with CAB also helps our own friends and family,” says Rani.
Last month, our volunteers enjoyed a lunch at the local iMaxx Indian Restaurant and Bar acknowledging their contribution to the South Kaipara community. The national volunteer week theme Weaving the People Together – Whiria te Tangata- was an apt reminder of how volunteers connect with clients and local community groups and organisations.
“Through your collective mahi, you help to weave together people and communities, strengthening the fabric of society at a time when this is sorely needed. Your work is important and truly valued,” says Neil Lancaster, national president and Kerry Dalton, CEO, praising more than 2000 volunteers nationwide.
At our Helensville branch, it has become a hub for our Community Support Network Group’s monthly meetings and a range of other gatherings and events including hosting a Hospice West Auckland workshop, the Ready Steady Quit group and Otakanini Topu meetings.
Come and talk to our friendly volunteers from Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm or Saturday, 10am to noon. On Tuesdays we have our budget clinic and every day there is a JP available onsite or nearby
