CITIZENS Advice Warrington has thanked its 79 volunteers for giving advice to those in need.

As part of Volunteers’ Week, which runs from June 1 to 7, organisations are thanking those who have gone above and beyond, both during the coronavirus pandemic, and throughout the year.

Citizens Advice Warrington has continued giving advice to those who need it during unprecedented times thanks to the tireless dedication of its staff and volunteers.

The team quickly rallied to ensure as many people as possible could be helped over the phone or web chat.

One of these was Ian Goodman, generalist adviser and volunteer representative at Citizens Advice Warrington.

He explained: "I volunteer at Citizens Advice as I get a buzz from helping our clients on a really wide range of issues.

"I had worked in financial services up to retirement, but after a period in training I'm now a qualified adviser.

"I love the teamwork at Citizens Advice Warrington and that there is always someone to go to for support with a complicated issue.

"I'm currently working from home but I'm looking forward to getting back to The Gateway and seeing my colleagues and our clients face to face once again."

Steve Cullen, chief officer at Citizens Advice Warrington said the special team of volunteers make a huge difference to people’s lives and help keep the vital service running.

He said: "Whether they have been able to continue in their role recently, or have paused their volunteering, their support throughout the year has been truly invaluable."

During lockdown, about 95 per cent of staff and volunteers are working from home and have been able to continue supporting residents during the crisis.

Advisors are utilising telephones, web chats and emails to provide services.

Some staff and volunteers are also engaged in other crisis work, such as delivering food and prescriptions to shielded and vulnerable families and telephoning isolated individuals.

This has been done in partnership with Warrington Voluntary Action and the council, under the Safe and Well scheme.

Steve continued: "During March and April, Citizens Advice Warrington dealt with 1,287 clients advising and assisting them with almost 3,500 separate issues and problems.

"Clients ages ranged from under 19 to more than 95.

"We helped clients from 29 different nationalities with UK British being the highest category.

"Clients came from every ward in the town with 60 per cent living in the central six wards containing highest deprivation levels.

"Whilst the main areas of advice have concerned benefits, we have helped clients with a wide variety of issues including debt, employment, education, consumer, housing, immigration, family and relationships, travel and utilities.

"There was also 65 per cent of clients who had a disability and/or a long term health condition.

"During the two months our clients have received direct financial benefits amounting to £968,000.

"I cannot thank our volunteers enough for their continued dedication.

"We really couldn’t do it without them."