Cab needs you!
From providing support for challenging relationship issues such as separation, financial disputes, and custody battles, to assisting with filling out forms or communicating with government departments, the CAB offers confidential, empathetic support by providing free advice and referrals.
Skilled volunteers help community members understand their options, empowering them to take action and ensuring they leave better equipped to resolve their issues. Working for positive social change within the community, CAB helped with over 500,000 enquiries last year alone. Extensive training is provided to volunteers and availability is only required for a few hours one day a week.
“As volunteers we are not expected to ‘know everything’ and we have a super database to call on and a wide community network of specialists to refer our clients to if needed. I’m learning something every shift and it feels great when a client pops in or phones to share their success with you,” notes long- time volunteer, Adrian Tracz.
With a database of verified information about every type of government and public service available, volunteers are able to help people understand their rights and connect them with the resources they need for their particular situation. In such a challenging economic climate and with the digital divide hugely risking access-for-all, there’s never been a more integral time to provide support and encouragement, helping community members through the challenges they are facing.
“I have certainly found that there is a real need for the CAB service. People find themselves faced with all sorts of tricky challenges in life, leaving them unsure of their options or what to do. They are very relieved to have a person with free time to listen, understand, and see what can be done to sort it out,” says volunteer, Mike Austin.
Opened in 1986 the Wellsford office recently expanded to include satellite centres in Warkworth and Mangawhai, providing support to the local community by ensuring public services are accessible to all. CAB is available by phone, in person and online, with more than 2,400 trained volunteers across the country helping New Zealanders understand their rights and obligations.
To become a volunteer, please email manager.wellsford@cab.org.nz