VOLUNTEERS are needed to train as advisers at Vale Royal Citizens Advice Bureau, CAB.

The drive is part of Advice Week 2003, which runs from September 1 to 7.

Jason Bishop, advice service manager, said: "Volunteers are the heart of the service. The CAB service is totally dependent on our volunteer advisers.

The bureau will be sending out present volunteers onto the streets of Northwich, Winsford and Frodsham during Advice Week, who will be handing out leaflets and talking to people about the benefits of helping.

While this work is being carried out, paid CAB specialists will be volunteering their time to take their place.

Meanwhile, the CAB is also in need of people with IT skills, administrative skills or public relations and fundraising experience as well as volunteers to train as a general advisor.

Language

The CAB is also keen to hear from people with language skills relevant to the community.

Paul Nicholls, Vale Royal CAB district manager, said: "Volunteering with the CAB is very rewarding.

"Many people feel that they really gain from the experience of volunteering and volunteers are the lifeblood of our service - there would be no CAB without them."

The CAB certificate in Generalist Advice Work gives volunteers the skills necessary to provide appropriate advice on any subject.

The trainee's progress is constantly reviewed and monitored and they are supported the whole way through.

Formal qualifications are not needed and many find the accredited CAB training experience can help to provide a route into paid work.

If anyone is interested in training to become a CAB volunteer then ring the volunteer hotline on 08541 264 264 or the Vale Royal CAB recruitment officer on 01606 555905.

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk