Week Notes - 7th Feb 25

Organic Greenhouse of a Citizens Advice Bureau


This week I was delighted to have a lovely young lady join us on an employment placement. The unique setting of a Citizens Advice Bureau is that we have a range of ages and professional backgrounds. Very quickly I noticed one of the Volunteers wishing to check in on her and offer support for her education.
This gentleman is a retired Teacher and is well placed to support any questions she may have. Due to family moves at critical points in her education she has been unable to enter job or education routes.
This will be quickly resolved by her time with us. I think it is such a unique pond to swim in at our Bureaus. The mix of paid staff and volunteers. Volunteers are there for the passion of the roles. As the saying goes: “Volunteers are not paid because they are priceless.” I witness that daily in my work there.
At the same time, we have a Social work placement and she brings an energy and enthusiasm that ripples through the Bureau. I am very much looking forward to witnessing the growth and changes these two gain from their time with us.
The Bureau acts like a favourable greenhouse for both Staff, Volunteers and the clients we support to allow positive growth. All this occurs in very natural and organic matter as they interact and support each other to achieve the goals and support the community. Passion and investment are not something that can be bought as they are heart qualities and I am so humbled that we have that in abundance in the Bureau. Challenges are easily navigated once you have the fuel of passion to drive the Engine.