CITIZENS Advice Taunton is celebrating the inspirational volunteers who dedicate their time to solving people’s problems and making a difference to their lives.

To mark Volunteers’ Week which starts on Thursday, June 1, the charity is shining a spotlight on the remarkable contribution of its team of more than 75 volunteers who give up more than 600 hours each week to help people find a way forward.

In 2016/17 Citizens Advice Taunton has advised 6,756 people with 19,472 issues managed, from housing and debt issues to benefits and employment rights.

The charity’s volunteers have played a crucial role ensuring people in Taunton Deane get the advice and support they need to get on with their lives.

Citizens Advice offers a wide range of voluntary roles - from IT support and advisers to administrators and trustees.

Karen started volunteering at Citizens Advice Taunton a year ago when she was unemployed.

She told us she was bored and wanted to keep occupied while job hunting.

Everyone at Citizens Advice was friendly and made me feel welcome as part of the team.

Jem Abram, Recruitment Co-ordinator at Taunton said: “Thanks to our amazing volunteers we are able to continue making a huge difference to people’s lives.

"Without our volunteers we would cease to exist. Our volunteers give up their time for free to help people who may be going through problems to get back on their feet.

"Volunteering also brings its own rewards and is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. If you can spare a few hours each week, we’d love to hear from you.”

Nationally Citizens Advice relies on 23,000 volunteers who help provide support in 2,900 locations across England and Wales - helping 2.7 million people every year.

Thanks to contribution volunteers play in local Citizens Advice, two out of every three clients have their problem solved and four out of five say the advice received improved their lives.

If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering during this special Volunteers’ Week with Citizens Advice Taunton contact Jem Abram on 01823-448953 or e-mail recruitment@tauntoncab.org.uk