Stirling Citizens’ Advice Bureau has praised the impact of those who give up their time to help its work as part of its efforts to mark Volunteers Week.
The organisation offers a range of advice for those in need of support - from debt and money worries to assisting with queries on housing, legal and consumer issues.
With Volunteer Week running from June 1 to June 7, the charity’s CEO has said their helpers are “worth their weight in gold”, especially with the growing pressure on their services with the cost-of-living crisis.
One of those who has helped give up her time to help others locally is Janey Fleming, who has been volunteering for Stirling CAB for more than a year.
Janey said: “I like to feel I’m doing ‘my bit’ by volunteering.
“I’ve always done some volunteering all my life – Community Council, WRVS, meals on wheels and with various local groups and societies.
“It’s nice to feel one is helping people even if only in a small way.
“I would rather do something than just give money.”
Trainee adviser Morag has also spoken of her enjoyment in volunteering, adding: “Volunteering with CAB is an opportunity where you can really make a difference in the local community.
“It can be challenging but that’s what makes it interesting.
“I learn something new every week.”
The Observer recently heard from Stirling CAB about the added stress being placed on the services it operated - with an 1100 per cent surge in people seeking support for energy disconnection or the imminent threat of it.
There was also a 900 per cent rise in clients seeking help with energy debt advice since the start of the pandemic and an 800 per cent rise in clients with prepayment meters looking for tips to keep their meter in credit.
Stirling CAB CEO Craig Anderson said: “This is Volunteer Week and it is wholly appropriate to say a huge thank you to the wonderful volunteers who are currently working here alongside our paid staff team.
“They are worth their weight in gold and we simply couldn’t run the CAB without them.
“Every day our volunteers help people deal with problems from debt and money worries to housing, legal and consumer issues.
“There are important things CAB can do for its clients, like checking to see if they’re entitled to any additional income that they don’t know about, or perhaps reducing their debts by talking to any creditors, or advising them about their rights in terms of wages or benefits.
“Our team are simply fantastic, and I wish to wholeheartedly thank all of our volunteers on maintaining such a vital service for the citizens of Stirling throughout the cost of living crisis.
“CAB shine a light & are a lifeline for so many.
“Thank you for your continued support, volunteering is the beating heart of Stirling CAB and always will be.”