VOLUNTEERS working at Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau have described the satisfaction they get from their roles as the charity looks to recruit more.

As a registered charity the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) relies on the work of volunteers to provide its general advice service and each year has a fresh intake to help keep pace with demand from clients.

Donald Konkol and Nina Chaldaiou are two CAB volunteers who feature in a short video produced by the bureau to attract new recruits for an end of August start.

Donald, 54, retired from public service in 2019 and lives locally with his wife. He has been volunteering with the bureau for two years and manages to combine this with volunteering for the local mountain rescue team too.

At 6’7” he cuts a striking figure around the CAB’s Alloa premises and is one of the bureau’s volunteer advisers, giving advice on all manner of subjects from benefits and money to relationship and housing problems.

He says he was attracted to volunteering with the CAB because he thought he’d be bringing transferable skills and would enjoy giving something back to the local community.

Donald said: “My previous role involved speaking to people; collecting information from them; investigating an issue; checking policies, procedures and legislation; coming up with an answer and writing a report – which is similar to what you have to do as an adviser.

“Every day is different. Teamwork is also important, as there’s an immense bank of knowledge in here, and tremendous experience of dealing with difficult situations.

“It’s very satisfying to be able to help people through tough times.”

For Nina Chaldaiou, she loves meeting people from all different backgrounds in her role.

Originally from Athens, Nina studies at the University of Glasgow.

She started with the CAB very recently, undergoing rigorous adviser training while also being mentored in HR and administration procedures so she can perform a dual role.

Her introduction to the CAB actually came through her own need for help a few years ago when she called the Glasgow branch for some help with a particular issue.

When an opportunity came up in Alloa to see things from the other side, she jumped at the chance.

She said: “Being able to help people is hugely rewarding and makes you feel like you’ve achieved something.”

Visit clackscab.org.uk/volunteer or contact bureau@clackscab.casonline.org.uk for more information on volunteering with the CAB.