Citizens’ Advice Stevenage is celebrating its volunteers who dedicate their time to solving people’s problems and making a difference to their lives.

During Volunteers’ Week, which started on Friday and runs until today, the charity wants to highlight the work of its team, which helps people in the community struggling with debt, housing, benefit and employment issues.

Almost 80 volunteers at Citizens’ Advice Stevenage – which is based at Swingate House in Danestrete – collectively give up 330 hours each week, and last year helped more than 7,000 people with more than 22,000 problems.

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

The help provided by Citizens’ Advice – which also has a North Herts branch – is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone.

Citizens’ Advice offers a wide range of voluntary roles, including fundraising, advisers, administrators and trustees of the charity.

Ryann Hansen started volunteering while he was studying at university. He said: “I really feel like my role makes a difference, by helping people sort out problems that have been holding them back.” He added: “The skills I’ve learned have really helped me develop confidence for my own career prospects.”

Nina Villa, the new chief executive of Citizens’ Advice Stevenage, said: “Our fantastic volunteers make a huge difference to people’s lives. They give up their free time to help people in their community, who may be going through problems, to get back on their feet.

“Volunteering is for everybody and it brings its own rewards. It’s a great way to meet people and learn skills.

“If you’d like to help people in your area and can spare a few hours, we’d love to hear from you.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering with Citizens’ Advice Stevenage, call 01438 344238 and leave a message for Stacey, or visit

www.stevenagecab.org.uk/joinus.

To contact Citizens’ Advice for help, call 03444 111444 or visit www.stevenagecab.org.uk for further information.

The phone line is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday only.