BY PETE HENSHAW

THE borough's Citizen's Advice Bureau has recently employed a Volunteer Co-ordinator thanks to a £90,000 lottery grant.

The new position is intended to help get more volunteers working at the CAB and to help them receive the best training and support possible.

Wendy Tozer, district manager of Crewe and Nantwich CABs, is using the new launch to promote the bureaux on a wider scale.

"There are several myths about the CAB, everybody thinks they know but people are amazed about how far we go," explained Wendy.

"One of the myths is that we just send the public on to other people but nine out of ten times we can actually help people and we are here for everybody."

Wendy explained that in reality, the bureaux in Crewe and Nantwich advise on a wide variety of issues including debt, benefits, housing, employment and education to name but a few.

"There are a lot of debt management companies around who take a slice of your money but they will only deal with people who have spare money," explained Wendy.

The bureaux also have a comprehensive information system covering the law including individual rights and responsibilities.

Practical help is even available on things such as filling out forms and negotiating with employers or creditors and representing people in courts and tribunals.

The bureaux also have an extensive rural advice service which involves a van and advisors going out to isolated communities and bringing help and advice to your doorstep.

The van visits villages such as Sound, Wrenbury, Marbury, Wybunbury, Bunbury, Buerton and Audlem.

The new volunteer co-ordinator, Martin Edwards, has been introduced to help make all this happen and get volunteers working for the bureaux.

Eighty per cent of the workforce at the bureaux is voluntary and Martin is looking for old and young alike.

"In a youth orientated society sometimes growing older feels like being made obsolete, however, at the CAB, life experience of older people is regarded as a positive asset," explained Martin.

All volunteers need to donate is a minimum of two and a half days a week.

The bureaux are also becoming involved in the Millennium Volunteers Scheme which is aimed at getting young people volunteering and learning new skills.

"Qualifications are not required as comprehensive training is provided and volunteer advisors receive all travel expenses and some carer's expenses," added Martin.

"We do not just chuck people out there, we support them through the process."

Wendy added that the age range of their current volunteers spans from just 19 up to over 70 years-of-age.

"A lot of people use the volunteering to get a bit of experience as employers often look for that," added Wendy, "Volunteers can also go on to specialise, for example they can go into law."

So the message is loud and clear, the bureaux are there to be used and they offer a lot more than you would think, so if you do have a problem, why not give them a try.

If you would like to be a volunteer with the bureau in Nantwich contact Martin or Wendy on 625517.

If you would just like to seek some advice then you can contact Nantwich CAB on 625565.