As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026, we want to take a moment to recognise and thank the amazing volunteers who make such a vital contribution to Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton.
Simply put, we couldn’t do what we do without them.
“The current landscape brings complex challenges to our local communities, and the demand for our services remains high. Yet, volunteers continue to show up with unwavering patience and a commitment to helping people find a way forward. Because of them, individuals walk away feeling heard, supported, and empowered during some of their toughest moments.
They don’t just volunteer their time; they offer individuals and communities hope, clarity and justice.
On behalf of all paid team members at Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton, THANK YOU to our volunteers for their commitment, passion and the vital role they play in making our communities stronger and fairer.” Gary Malcomson – Chief Executive Officer
Every day, our volunteers help us provide free, independent and confidential advice to people across our local communities. Whether they are answering enquiries, triaging clients over the telephone, supporting specialist advice teams with administration and client-facing tasks, contributing to research and campaigns, or helping behind the scenes, their dedication enables us to reach more people and deliver high-quality advice when it is needed most.
Their commitment, compassion and professionalism are at the heart of everything we do.
Growing and Strengthening Our Volunteer Team
Over the past 12 months, we have focused on not only increasing the number of volunteers within our organisation but also broadening the range of opportunities available to them.
One of our biggest achievements was being selected to take part in a national Citizens Advice pilot programme designed to streamline volunteer training and create a foundation-level pathway for volunteers to provide information and guidance to clients.
The pilot has been a huge success. Through the programme, we recruited more than 10 new volunteers and achieved an incredible 100% retention rate. This demonstrates both the effectiveness of the training model and the enthusiasm and commitment of those who choose to volunteer with us.
We have also strengthened our governance by welcoming three new trustees to our Board, bringing valuable skills, experience and perspectives to help guide the organisation into the future.
Volunteering by the Numbers
The impact of our volunteers can be seen not only in the difference they make to individual lives, but also in the scale of their contribution.
Over the Last 12 months:
- 29 active volunteers supported Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton.
- Volunteers represent 50% of our workforce compared to paid staff.
- Volunteers helped deal with more than 5,500 client enquiries.
- A remarkable 6,751 volunteer hours were dedicated to supporting our services.
- This represents an increase of 1,751 volunteer hours compared with the previous year.
- Collectively, our volunteers have contributed an incredible 274 years of service to the organisation.
These figures reflect the growing strength of our volunteer programme and the invaluable role volunteers play in helping us meet increasing demand for advice and support.
What Our Team Says About Our Volunteers
Our staff regularly see first-hand the difference volunteers make, not only to our clients but also to the wider organisation.
“It has been wonderful to see volunteers grow in confidence and develop their skills. Many join us unsure of what to expect, but with support and training they quickly become valued members of the team. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to help others make a real difference every day.”
“Our volunteers consistently demonstrate flexibility, reliability and commitment. Their willingness to give their time and adapt to the needs of the service is greatly appreciated by both colleagues and clients.”
“Volunteers bring positivity, kindness and dedication to the workplace. They are hardworking, dependable and always willing to support the team whenever needed.”
“Their ability to learn quickly, build rapport with clients and provide a calm, reassuring presence is invaluable. They make a significant contribution to the quality of service we provide.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the time, effort and commitment our volunteers give. Their contribution has helped us achieve so much over the past year, and their impact can be seen across every part of the organisation.”
Supporting Future Success
While we always wish our volunteers could stay with us forever, one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is seeing people use their experience with Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton as a stepping stone towards achieving their personal, academic and career goals.
Over the past year, we have celebrated a number of fantastic success stories.
One young volunteer achieved outstanding A-Level results and secured a place at their chosen university to study Law. They have since continued volunteering with another local Citizens Advice service and are thriving both academically and through the opportunities they have embraced at university.
Another volunteer successfully secured a prestigious Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship with a local law firm in Bolton. Reflecting on her experience, she said:
“The experience I gained at Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton played a significant role in helping me secure my Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship. The knowledge, skills and confidence I developed through volunteering gave me a strong foundation for taking this next step in my career, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”
We are also delighted that two of our volunteers have recently secured paid employment within Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton itself, demonstrating how volunteering can create pathways into rewarding careers while helping us retain talented and passionate individuals within the organisation.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we want to thank every volunteer, past and present, who has given their time, energy and expertise to support our communities.
Your contribution matters. The advice we provide, the people we help and the positive impact we make across Bury and Bolton would not be possible without you.
Thank you for everything you do.
Interested in Volunteering?
We will be actively recruiting new volunteers from September 2026.
If you are interested in making a difference in your community, developing new skills, gaining valuable experience or joining a supportive and welcoming team, keep an eye on our website here and our social media channels here for upcoming volunteering opportunities.
We look forward to welcoming the next generation of Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton volunteers.