CITIZENS Advice Test Valley has revealed that its volunteers gave more than 19,000 hours of their time to help make a difference to the people of Test Valley in the last year. This comes as the charity continues to see record demand for its services.

The new research found that the accumulated hours of volunteering time was worth £458,538. Meanwhile the value of their work contributed £26,302 to the local economy as well as £27,367 to the NHS - bringing the total value of volunteering at the service to £583,931.

Last year the charity saw unprecedented demand, supporting 5,973 of people in Test Valley. We have two main offices as well as outreaches. It can only do this work thanks to its 58 volunteers.

Nationally, nine in 10 volunteers say that volunteering at Citizens Advice has given them a sense of purpose while 42 per cent say it boosts their confidence and mental health.

Citizens Advice was created during the Second World War. Volunteers ran the service, helping people with issues relating to the loss of ration books, homelessness and evacuation. Fast forward 85 years and volunteers remain a crucial part of the charity.

Citizens Advice Test Valley is on the lookout for new recruits from all backgrounds who can give their time to help people struggling with energy prices/rising household bills/debt/employment issues/housing issues.

The charity says no specific experience is necessary as full training will be provided. Many volunteers include people getting back into work after career breaks; people with part-time jobs; students; carers; parents and people who’ve retired. We are currently recruiting so please get in touch if you would like to find out more.

Volunteers are at the heart of how Citizens Advice Test Valley supports our local community. The value volunteers add to our service, and to the lives of people needing support, can be life-changing.

We also hear how much our volunteers get back personally from giving their time: whether it’s the enjoyment of working as a team, learning new skills or campaigning on issues close to their heart.

The dedication and commitment volunteers show to helping make a difference, particularly when demand for our help is so high, is incredible. We simply couldn’t do it without them.

To find out more and apply, visit: testvalleycab.org.uk/news/volunteer or leave us a voicemail on our admin line 0808 178 6882.

If you would like to access the charity for advice, you can check for advice on our website, 24 hours a day testvalleycab.org.uk, email us via our website, 24 hours a day testvalleycab.org.uk/email-advice-form or call us for free, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday 0808 812 6681.