CAB appeal for more volunteers

The plea comes after fears were raised about next year’s funding as the four bureaux in North Nottinghamshire battle to expand their services.

Ashfield currently has around 40 volunteers who are supported by 13 staff - but is looking for more mature people who will stay in post.

Ashfield CAB chief executive Sue Davis said: “We are facing a very serious issue from April 2015 onwards.

“We are constantly facing cuts and looking for funding all the time.

We just cannot meet demand - we have queues every day and we see as many people as we can.

“Volunteers are not a free resource because it costs money to train them.

“About a third of the volunteers gain paid employment elsewhere - which is great - but then we lose them. It is good for people’s CVs. We want to help people like that - but we also need more mature volunteers who will perhaps stay.”

Last year Ashfield CAB helped 3,500 clients deal with over 13,000 problems.

Training officer Chris Griffin said: “We’re struggling to recruit enough volunteers to deal with the weight of demand coming through our doors.

“Currently, we have an incredible range of volunteers.

“From retirees to students, unemployed to employed, graduates to school leavers so we’re sure there’s a place for anybody who has the commitment and enthusiasm to volunteer.”

Sue added: “We are trying to increase our opening hours and expand a telephone service we run - but it is linked to the ongoing issue about funding.”

For more information about Ashfield CAB please call 01623 555312, or email [email protected]