Inside the project with Kirsten Kerr - Chief Executive Officer at Citizens Advice Bristol
How Citizens Advice are working with Can Do Bristol Volunteers to improve the lives of citizens of Bristol impacted by the Cost Of Living Crisis
My Role:
What do you do?
I am the Chief Executive Officer at Citizens Advice Bristol. I am responsible for the overall leadership and management of Citizens Advice Bristol including the development of long-term strategies and ensuring the quality of services to meet our clients needs.
What do you enjoy about the position?
I enjoy leading a group of wonderfully talented and dedicated people who work tirelessly everyday to support people in Bristol. Their passion and determination makes me strive to do more to make our services easily accessible and there for anyone who finds themselves in difficult circumstances. I also enjoy being able to work in partnership with other advice agencies and Bristol City Council to ensure that no one struggles to get access to justice, as together as one city we are stronger.
The organisation:
A little history:
Citizens Advice Bristol first opened its doors in 1977. We are a local charity that provides free, independent, impartial and confidential advice, information and support to anyone in Bristol. We are a member of National Citizens Advice and adhere to the high standards of quality set out by the national organisation.
Between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022 we supported nearly 5,000 people and dealt with over 23,000 issues. We work in effective partnership with the advice sector locally and are the lead agency for the Bristol Advice Partnership, a coalition of local agencies delivering advice across the city, funded by Bristol City Council.
Purpose
We provide access to justice for all. We cover all subject areas with a focus on welfare rights, debt, housing, employment and immigration. Our services range from information/guidance right through to fully supported casework for complex legal situations, court hearings for housing repossessions, and tribunal work.
We use evidence from our clients to raise awareness about the issues that adversely affect people's lives. Our services are needed now more than ever with the impact of Covid and the current cost of living crisis on families in Bristol.
What’s happened most recently in the organisation (re the volunteering role and how that ties in with your current work)
Can Do Bristol – Membership:
When did you join Can Do Bristol?
We joined Can do Bristol in August 2022 after it was suggested to us by another charity in Bristol that already uses the site.
Why did you choose to use Can Do?
We decided to use Can Do Bristol as it had been recommended to us and because we know that many Bristolians use the site to find volunteering opportunities. We also wanted to be part of the ‘Cost of Living Campaign’ that is happening on the site, as we believe working together, as one city, only makes us stronger.
How have you found Can Do helpful for getting volunteers?
We listed our Cost of Living Advice Assistant volunteering opportunity recently and have received many applications via the Can Do site. No other advertisements have generated volunteer leads at this time. The site has been easy to use and made engaging with volunteers a breeze!
Cost of living crisis impact on the service
Citizens Advice, as a network of independent charities, is currently helping more than two people every minute with access to crisis support like food bank referrals and charitable grants. More than 137,000 people have been referred for this type of support - an 50% increase on the same period last year, and a 167% increase on the same period in 2019.
We’ve also helped 50,000 people with energy debts, a 22% increase on the same period last year and helped almost 15,000 people who couldn’t afford to top up their prepayment meter. This is over three times higher than over the same period in 2021.
At this time the demand for our services is already greater than what we are able to provide. We cannot solve the crisis facing many Bristolians but we are working alongside other advice agencies, mental health workers and community groups to put support in place for those who are affected.
What would your volunteers be doing?
Our Cost of Living Advice Assistants will be helping people, affected by the cost of living crisis, in the communities that live or work in. We are bringing our advice services into the ‘welcoming spaces’ across the city so that everyone can easily access the support they need, in a place that is comfortable and safe.
Working alongside other community volunteers and staff, our Advice Assistants will be a vital component of Bristol’s welcoming Spaces, providing support to anyone who is struggling to manage this winter. They’ll be able to provide guidance and support around welfare benefits, managing money, debt and discretionary support (foodbank vouchers, energy vouchers and grants). They will be able to refer citizens to other services or dedicated caseworkers for people with complex situations.
What would the volunteers gain from the experience?
I started my career with Citizens Advice as a volunteer back in 2004 and I have stayed with the service, as I am passionate about our principles and aims. I have had wonderful career progression taking on many different roles, both paid and unpaid, throughout the years. Being a volunteer with Citizens Advice Bristol is incredibly fulfilling as you get to help people when they are facing difficult and distressing situations. Being able to help someone find a way forward and knowing that you have supported them to improve their situation can be incredibly rewarding. It can give you a sense of achievement, improve confidence and self-esteem which is great for your health and wellbeing.
Becoming a Cost of Living Advice Assistant will give you the opportunity to be part of the city’s response and make a positive impact on peoples’ lives. You will get to experience good training and to feel part of a team as we work together to support those affected by the crisis. You will receive a certificate of achievement once you have completed your training. You’ll be able to gain new skills/knowledge and build experience for employment. There may also be the opportunity to progress into volunteer advice roles or paid employment with us.
Click this link to learn about their volunteering opportunity: Cost of Living Advice Assistant (Volunteer) - Can Do Bristol