CITIZENS Advice Winchester District has thanked its volunteers for their efforts throughout the pandemic.

The team quickly rallied to ensure as many people as possible could be helped as services saw unprecedented demand.

This meant a shift to providing support via phone and email.

As part of Volunteers’ Week, which runs from June 1 to 7, Citizens Advice Winchester District Advice wants to thank volunteers for their exceptional contribution to the service and local community.

Over 60 volunteers at the local service contribute some 200 hours each week to the service. In the last year, Citizens Advice Winchester District has helped more people, with more issues than ever before - supporting over 7,000 individuals with advice around debt, housing, benefits and employment.

Brighid (pictured), an advice volunteer in Winchester for more than fifteen years, said: “I started volunteering because I recognised that there were many people who were vulnerable and struggling with a variety of issues and wanted to help.

“Being able to give practical steps to help someone move forward is extremely powerful”

Dr Sue Campbell, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Winchester District added: “Our wonderful team of volunteers dedicate their time and skills to ensure that people in Winchester District can get support in their time of need.

“I’m particularly proud of the immense dedication they’ve shown during this pandemic – supporting thousands of people.”