Seldom in the 80 years of our charity’s existence has it been so apparent how important the contribution of our volunteers is.

With a large proportion of our district’s residents facing an uncertain future due to Covid-19, we’re exceedingly grateful and proud of the lengths that our volunteers are going to, to ensure there is a helping hand for any resident that needs it.

Click here for full-length messages from our staff.

“In these unprecedented times, I have been impressed by how our volunteers have so rapidly risen to the challenges of remote working and a huge surge in demand. I know that many will be facing their own personal challenges during this pandemic and greatly appreciate them sticking with us.
 
Whether they have been able to continue in their role recently, or have paused their volunteering, their support throughout the year has made a huge difference to people’s lives and helped keep our vital service running
 
I cannot thank them enough for their continued dedication. We really couldn’t do it without them.” 
Kate Thomas, Chair
Citizens Advice BANES

 

“At Citizens Advice BANES, our volunteers are the lifeblood of our charity. We deeply appreciate the thousands of hours of time and dedication that our volunteers have given to us over 8 decades of service to our national organisation, and especially here in Bath and North East Somerset. Our frontline customer services operations in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton would not be possible without our wonderful volunteer team, and I know that all of our small team of staff and trustees are all extremely grateful for the huge value add that our 100 plus volunteers deliver right across BANES, every year. Without our volunteers – it would be impossible to service and support the thousands of clients that we see across BANES every year – especially against the rising demands of Covid-19 and its aftermath.
Quite simply “Thank you !!” volunteers – we truly could not do it without you !!”
Les Redwood, CEO
Citizens Advice BANES 

 

To all of our volunteers,

Over the past few months, I’ve seen and heard so many incredible stories about how you’ve been working hard to deliver our service – from kitchens, homes, gardens and even greenhouses. Many of you have changed the way you work – so that we can continue to be there for everyone. Others of you have had to step back and I know you’ve still been supporting our service all the way.

As we start a new month, it also marks the start of Volunteers Week 2020. This is always a time to step back and celebrate the incredible impact you have on people’s lives, and how frankly, we couldn’t do what we do without you. I have over the past few months constantly been reminded that our service is made up of so many brilliant volunteers and although we’ve all been separated, we remain a team and one service.

This year everything feels different – and so does Volunteers Week. Whilst we usually celebrate – this year I want to take this opportunity to focus on saying thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done to support people over the past few months, and indeed the past year.

Our service is a lifeline for those that need free, impartial and confidential advice. Whilst many of you will have been used to giving that advice in-person – now you’re there on the other end of the phone line or a computer so that you can be there for everyone whoever they are and whatever their problem.

Volunteering is, at heart, about helping people. It’s about making a gift of your time. I wanted to let you know that this gift, however you have and continue to contribute to our service, is deeply appreciated.

Thank you and best wishes,

 

Gillian, Chief Executive 

Citizens Advice