What is it like to be an adviser?
'As a new adviser this year I was somewhat uncertain of the level of responsibility I would be given initially, but the system of shadowing more experienced advisors and later working in pairs with each client worked well as an introduction to our job, and training in the UK benefits system has been of great help too. I've found my confidence and ability to talk to clients, government institutions and companies really grow, and whether working on simpler form-filling or alternatively trying to analyse the key issues of a complex problem, I have come away from each week believing that the team have done a very valuable job. I think the distinctive aspect of volunteering here is being able to make a very direct contribution to the problems of people in the local community, as well as the fact that you can build up relationships with clients who return again (as many do), and do these things in an environment that is always friendly.'
What do I think about the project?
'I think St Oswald's is possibly the most valuable volunteering scheme I know of. Its location in the heart of one of the most disadvantaged areas in Coventry makes it easily accessible for locals, and I have seen a very broad spectrum of work done here, ranging from being there to listen to someone's concerns, to helping someone manage serious debt issues. Work is somewhat similar to that done Citizen's Advie Bureau, but the more informal atmosphere at St Oswald's makes it a really important port of call for those perhaps intimidated by other advice services.'