CHARITIES across York and North Yorkshire are offering free training and the chance to gain qualifications for new volunteers.

Eight local Citizens Advice Bureaux are working together to develop telephone advice services but they need more advisers.

Volunteers will be given extensive training and those completing the course will earn an accredited QCF advice qualification.

George Vickers, manager for York & District CAB said: “This is a great opportunity to help your community as well as to earn a qualification which can help you demonstrate skills and develop your career.”

Advisers will explore a client’s situation, identify the help required, and explain available options. They help the client take action, including with paperwork, negotiating with other organisations, drafting letters and making phone calls.

The course begins in the autumn. Volunteers will receive travel expenses and should be able to work on Wednesdays and one other day each week for the first four months.

For more information, visit http://bit.do/CANYYvolunteer