TO mark National Student Volunteering Week from February 20-26 a local charity is calling on students to get in touch to find out how volunteering could benefit them, and the local community.

Staff at Citizens Advice Stroud and Cotswold Districts are keen to recruit students who are looking for relevant work experience to join their busy team providing advice and information to some of the most vulnerable people in their local community.

An information session is being held on Wednesday, February 22 at 3pm in the charity’s office in Brunel Mall, London Road, Stroud and any students who think they might be interested, are welcome to come along.

Callum, a recent graduate, has been volunteering with the CAB in Stroud during the summer holidays for the past three years whilst studying for a law degree.

Callum said: “I found volunteering alongside the group of friendly and dedicated people at Citizens Advice a fantastic experience.

“It’s a chance to get involved with your local community, meet people from all walks of life, and develop transferrable skills that employers love. “I spent nearly half of my scholarship interview at Lincoln’s Inn discussing my volunteering!

“It is an incredibly worthwhile way to develop as a person and demonstrate your sensitivity and ability, as well as being a chance to show that you are able to handle confidential information and help people who are often in distress.”

Sally Pickering, chief officer at CAB said “There are so many good reasons for students to think about volunteering.

“It can be incredibly rewarding to contribute to a cause you care about; it can really boost your confidence; help you meet new people; give you a chance to benefit from free training and get to know your local community better.

“What’s more, it can really enhance your CV and your future employment prospects.”

Volunteering can be flexible to suit individuals, some students volunteer regularly for a few hours each week.

Others help us out over the summer holidays when many of our regular volunteers are on holiday and some get involved in short-term research or fundraising activities.

More information about the Information Session and volunteering with Citizens Advice, is at bit.ly/1TLmb6y