Students who want to improve their job prospects in the face of economic uncertainty and the rise of AI while helping people in their community are being urged to find out more about volunteering with Citizens Advice Ipswich.
Ahead of Student Volunteering Week (9th-15th February), the charity is launching an appeal for students from all backgrounds to get in touch if they can offer time to help people find a way forward.
In 2025 the charity supported 10,000 people in the Ipswich area with issues like paying their energy bills, rising household costs, debt, employment problems, housing problems as well as scams and other consumer issues like buying cars and getting good deals.
At Citizens Advice Ipswich, new volunteers could help in offering advice to people in person, online or over the phone, or provide marketing, administrative or IT support to the charity.
Helen Bloomfield, Advice Services Manager at Citizens Advice Ipswich said:
“Our volunteers make a real difference to the lives of people across the community.
“Household budgets are being stretched to breaking point, which means our frontline advisers are helping huge numbers of people with their bills and debt, as well as housing and consumer issues.
“We know that people find volunteering with us really rewarding. As well as helping their local community, volunteering can be extremely valuable for students in particular, especially when faced with an uncertain graduate jobs market. It gives you real world experience both personally and professionally – building confidence, working as part of a team, and learning new skills.
“We’ll give you all the training you need – if you’re a student and you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.”
Saffeen, trainee adviser at Citizens Advice Ipswich has been volunteering since September.
He said: “I was entering my final year at university when I decided to join Citizens Advice. I was looking to gain some valuable work experience and as I am seeking a career in politics and public service, there was no better choice than this charity with its emphasis on both helping people and trying to reduce the reasons why people need help.
“Some of the things I’ve gained so far: first, grounded and realistic lived experience of my community. Secondly, really fantastic experience of working in a professional sector! Which is extremely difficult to get as a student. Lastly, I’ve learned an immense amount about the UK’s entire system. From laws to rights to welfare and employment.”
Helen Bloomfield added:
“Young people like Saffeen are great to have as part of our varied team. The energy and curiosity really add to the atmosphere in the core team. We run regular information sessions so you can find out more about what volunteering involves.
“We look forward to meeting you!”
To find out more check the website Citizensadviceipswich.org.uk, call 01473 298639 or email training@ipswichcab.org.uk