A day in the life of a volunteer

We spoke to Linda, one of our volunteer assessors. We’re looking at what a day in the life at the office looks like for Linda.

What is your role at Citizens Advice and how long have you been here?

My role is a face to face adviser. I speak to the clients who come into the Leigh office and support them where I can, and direct them to other specialised advisers within Citizens Advice if needed. I start by identifying the needs of the clients, and then taking the time to explore any wider issues. I started volunteering in February 2024 and I do a day and a half volunteering each week. 

How does your day start?

I’m an early riser! I like to wake up at 6am and have an hour to myself to wake up. I like the quiet and being able to read the news alone. At 7am, my husband wakes up and we have coffee together - I don't have breakfast, I think it’s too early on a workday but by half past 7, I’m getting ready and I’m usually at my desk between quarter to 9 and 9am. 

Drop in starts at 10am so I have the hour to set myself up for the day. I get to check my cases from last week and go through my emails and complete any training that I need to.

At 10am, the drop in advice service starts and I take my first client. What the  day brings is completely dependent  on the people I get to see. Clients are so varied and so are their needs. Some clients need simple advice, some need support in more detail and some need appointments booking with our debt or benefit advisers so each day is completely different.

There are always new volunteers so I sometimes have a volunteer shadow me to train. It really lets you get to know other people and I love the social aspect that comes with working here

What can you usually be found doing in your lunch break ?

I know I should but I don’t tend to take my full lunch! I usually eat my sandwiches at my desk (shocking I know), sometimes I speak to my husband or go on my phone for a bit but usually I’m itching to get back to it so I can type up my notes from my last client!

Why did you start volunteering?

I worked as a teacher and a head of year, and I always thought that the best part was working with families and the challenges that came with it. I lived in the US for 10 years and did similar teaching work, and then we moved back home when my husband and I retired. I’ve been volunteering in different places since my 20s, and now that I’m retired and wanted that challenge I came to Citizens Advice. 

What do you think is the best part of your job? 

I like the social aspect of this role, meeting people who are volunteering and working for the same reasons that I am. The role is certainly interesting, with the varied queries and challenges that come from it. I enjoy that I get to work for a day and a half and have the flexibility. My husband is retired and I get to balance my time with spending time with him. 

Do you think you could volunteer with us? Apply at https://www.cawb.org.uk/volunteering or email volunteer@cawb.org.uk