Interested in becoming an adviser or helping out at an advice agency? Read on:
The usual route into advice work is to volunteer with an advice-giving agency. Some advice agencies offer volunteers the chance to start advising clients and others want volunteers to take on reception or administration duties. You will sometimes be asked to volunteer for a certain number of hours per week but in return for your help and commitment, you will be given training and support that will increase your skills and confidence.
The experience you gain from participating in the work of an advice agency is invaluable and will probably help you to move into paid advice work.
The agencies listed below explain what types of volunteering opportunities they can offer and what sort of training will be made available to you. If you have any further questions, please ring the agencies themselves.
Manchester Citizens Advice Bureaux
Age Concern Manchester
Manchester Refugee Support Network (MRSN)
Drug Advice and Sexual Health (DASH)
The Booth Centre
Refugee Action
Afro Caribbean Care Group
South Manchester Law Centre
Signpost
Lifeshare
Cheetham Hill Advice Centre
Advice and Community Resource Centre
MIND in Manchester
Sunrise
Training Opportunities
Manchester Advice is the City Council’s in-house advice service. We are a large, forward looking organisation providing general help and specialist advice services across a range of subjects. Manchester Advice runs training courses in benefits, housing rights, debt advice, general advice skills and other related advice topics. The training diary is available online or you can receive a copy by phoning : 0161 234 3918.
Many of our courses have been accredited by Greater Manchester Open College Network, and you will receive a certificate if you pass one of these courses. Places on most of the courses are allocated via a priority system. To get a place you need to be already volunteering or working for an organisation.
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
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