Why Volunteers Are the Heart of Citizens Advice Lancashire West
At Citizens Advice Lancashire West, volunteers are more than just helping hands—they are the driving force behind the vital support we provide to thousands of people across Chorley, South Ribble, Fleetwood and Skelmersdale every year. Without our dedicated team of volunteers, we simply couldn’t offer the breadth or depth of advice services our community relies on.
If you’ve ever considered giving back, now is a great time to get involved. Here’s why our volunteers are so important—and how becoming one could be one of the most rewarding things you do.
Why Volunteers Matter
Volunteers are at the core of everything we do. They:
Provide free, confidential advice on a wide range of issues, from debt and housing to employment and benefits
Help people find a way forward in difficult situations
Increase access to services by ensuring we have the capacity to reach more people in need
Bring life experience, empathy, and fresh perspectives that strengthen our organisation
Every conversation, form filled, or reassurance given can make a huge difference to someone facing a crisis. Volunteers bring that personal touch—and often become the turning point in someone’s life.
Full Training and Ongoing Support
We know stepping into a volunteer role can feel daunting, especially if it’s a new area for you. That’s why we offer comprehensive training tailored to each role.
Whether you’re joining as a Generalist Adviser, Receptionist, IT Support or part of our Admin and Quality Monitoring team, you’ll receive:
✅ Expert-led training sessions
✅ Access to digital learning tools
✅ Ongoing support from experienced staff
✅ Regular check-ins and development opportunities
No previous experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn and a passion for helping others.
What Roles Are Available?
We offer a variety of flexible volunteer roles to suit your skills and interests:
Generalist Adviser – Provide direct advice to clients on issues such as benefits, housing and debt
Receptionist – Be the first point of contact for clients and help the service run smoothly
IT Support – Help staff and volunteers troubleshoot tech and support our digital systems
Admin Support & Quality Monitoring – Keep our service efficient and accurate behind the scenes
Many of our volunteers commit around 6 hours a week, with flexibility to suit different lifestyles.
What Are the Benefits of Volunteering?
Volunteering isn’t just about giving—it’s about growing too. Our volunteers tell us they gain:
A deep sense of purpose and fulfilment
New skills and knowledge
Confidence and professional development
New friendships and community connections
Valuable experience that strengthens CVs and job prospects
Whether you're retired, between jobs, recently graduated, or just want to make a difference—there’s a place for you at Citizens Advice Lancashire West.
How to Get Involved
Joining us is simple. Just visit our volunteer page here:
👉 citizensadvicelancashirewest.org.uk/volunteer-roles-citizens-advice-lancashire-west
You can learn more about each role and complete a short expression of interest form. Our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
Final Thoughts
Volunteers are the beating heart of our service—and we’re always looking for passionate people to join us. If you want to make a real difference in your local community, gain new skills, and be part of something meaningful, volunteering with Citizens Advice Lancashire West could be your perfect next step.
Together, we’re stronger. Together, we’re changing lives.