AN ADVICE charity is looking for potential new members to join its team.

Citizens Advice Flintshire is looking for people to train as advisers to meet the growing demand in the county for free confidential advice.

The charity is holding an informal meeting at the Deeside office in Cable Street, Connahs Quay, on January 22 at 10am for anyone who would like to find out more about opportunities for volunteers at the Deeside and the Mold offices.

Pauline Sendall, who started as a volunteer, is now a paid worker.

She explained: “I decided to volunteer because I enjoyed helping people and needed flexibility to work around my caring responsibilities.

"Twelve months later when my caring responsibilities settled down I applied for a paid job with Citizens Advice Flintshire and got the job. This was all down to the support and encouragement they gave me."

No specific qualifications or experience are required as free training is provided and travel expenses are paid.

However Rachel Jackson, who provides support for volunteers, said: “Volunteers do need to be reliable, able to listen to people in a non-judgemental way, have experience of using computers and good communication skills”.

Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and ages; from people who have retired and want to use their skills and experience to help others, to people who use volunteering to gain new skills and to help them gain paid work.

Helen Crocott, another volunteer, said: “I find the role challenging and varied. There’s lots of support and I’ve made good friends”.

And Anne Rowlands added: "It’s the opportunity to make a difference to people and help them deal with difficult situations."

Anyone who would like to attend can ring Sophie on 01352 706840 or email training@flintshirecab.org.uk.