what we look for
- Passion for helping and advising others, who are often far less fortunate than ourselves
- Excellent critical thinking and communication skills: As an adviser, you would be required to listen carefully to your clients and identify the issue, and be able to find them a workable solution efficiently
- Enthusiasm and commitment
- Willingness to learn
- Applicants from all degree courses are welcomed
the benefits
The Centre
- A precious opportunity to give back and help people in our community
- Some invaluable experience to put on your CV
- For Aspiring Lawyers: a chance to put your theoretical knowledge into practice, having the opportunity for direct contact with clients, becoming a lead adviser in individual cases, having a direct impact onto people's lives. It is undoubtedly extremely rare to have such hands-on experience
training
All volunteers will be provided with a training course, which includes an 'Introduction to Benefits', from the Birmingham Tribunal Unit. This gives a greater understanding of how the system works, enabling volunteers to improve their knowledge, and thus advise in a more specific and informed manner
travel
St Oswald's Community Advice Centre is located in Tile Hill, Coventry. The project arranges transportation for all volunteers to and from the Centre