Thank you to all those who have been in touch with us as a result of this column.
We have been delighted with the expressions of interest in volunteering with us and supporting our work.
One thing we are looking to do is increase our fundraising efforts. Unfortunately, we do not yet have any volunteers focused on fundraising – is this something you could support us with?
Please contact us!
Last week we held our first Development Day for our staff, volunteers and trustees.
We put on a number of workshops throughout the day encouraging our team to join us on any subjects they wanted to know more about. This included learning more about the systems that we use, Universal Credit, supporting people in Debt and understanding equality, diversity and supporting people with mental health conditions.
It was also an opportunity for colleagues working on different days to meet with each other.
We are planning to do this once a month so that everyone in our team has at least one day where we can focus on supporting them and their development at Citizens Advice Wokingham.
We also held an open day for people interested in joining us as a volunteer.
We had 19 people at our offices in Waterford House and it was a really positive session.
Our Training Manager, Nicky, talked through our local priorities and what Citizens Advice is all about. Our next cohorts for training start in March, so do sign up for our next open day if this would be something you may be interested in.
A big thank you to Peter Huitson. Peter has worked at Citizens Advice Wokingham for over 18 years, most recently as Development Manager – working every Monday.
Peter has been an integral part of the work we do here, and will be known to many of our clients and volunteers over the years.
His experience and knowledge will be irreplaceable and we would just like to say a big thank you for all of the work he has done for both the people of Wokingham and Citizens Advice.
We also continue to raise the issue of Council Tax with Wokingham Borough Council. Our biggest Debt issue people come to us about involves Council Tax arrears.
There are some simple changes that will make a difference for those struggling and we will talk more about this over the next few weeks and months.
Our Research & Campaigns group of volunteers have identified this as a priority campaign and we have raised this with Council leadership both officer and political level.
We are having productive conversations and this is just another way we can make a difference in the Borough.
Quiz! Citizens Advice is 80 this year, and we want to hold the biggest quiz night we have had.
We know that there are many quiz teams across Wokingham we invite you to join us to help raise funds for Citizens Advice Wokingham and enjoy a quiz night in the community.
Encourage your office, colleagues or friends to come along as a team. If you are interested in joining us – please email [email protected] and we will send across more information.
Jake Morrison is the Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Wokingham
You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice or visit www.citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or contact Citizens Advice Wokingham at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erfstadt Court, Wokingham RG40 2YF. Tel: 0300 330 1189. email: [email protected]
