Dalkeith & District Citizens Advice Bureau

Charity registered in Scotland SC000593

The aims of the CAB service are as follows:-
To ensure that individuals do not suffer through lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities or the services available to them, or through an inability to express their needs effectively and equally.
To exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services, both locally and nationally.


Current opportunities

About 250 people each month get help from Dalkeith CAB on problems with benefits, debt, housing, employment, home energy and more. Some of this requires specialist advice, but some also involves filling in long forms, which can be difficult if you’re anxious about your situation. We need a volunteer about 3 hours per week to help people with filling in forms to apply for benefits and other entitlements. You’ll receive training and support from our experienced staff team and volunteers. You’ll be reimbursed for travel expenses. A good standard of verbal and written English is important. Some understanding of the benefits system and experience of advice is welcome, but not essential. Commitment to the mission, aims and values of Dalkeith CAB is important.

Dalkeith CAB needs a volunteer for 3-6 hours per week to create and share content on social media to raise awareness of its advice and support services. The role can be fully remote, but you’ll have ongoing support from CAB staff and be reimbursed for reasonable expenses. You should have a good standard of writing in English for a range of audiences and quite confident in using Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram and YouTube. Previous experience of producing graphics for social media and/or videos would be welcome, but not essential.

You can make a real difference in helping your community by volunteering with Dalkeith Citizens Advice Bureau. Our team of volunteers are vital to the work we do, helping people access the information and in giving them the advice they need to move forward with their lives. We believe that everyone deserves access to independent, free and non-judgemental advice to help them deal with life’s problems and challenges - and you can help us to do that. Volunteers are at the heart of how we deliver the Citizens Advice service, whether it’s helping people online, by email, over the phone or in person. You will receive training in advice giving and IT. All we need is 4 to 6 hours per week of your time.

People who come to Dalkeith CAB for information and advice on issues like benefits, debt, housing or employment are often worried about their situation and aren’t sure what to expect. We’re looking for a volunteer to greet them when they arrive, show them to the waiting room, and explain what will happen next, so they feel less anxious and unsure. Experience of reception, customer service or other roles (paid or unpaid) engaging with the public would be helpful but not essential. Ability to engage with people who may be anxious or distressed while remaining calm and helpful would be beneficial. The role would be for about 2 hours each morning, Monday to Thursday at the Bureau. You’ll receive training and full support from our experienced staff team and volunteers. You’ll be reimbursed for travel expenses.