Why Volunteering Matters at Hamilton Citizens Advice. Celebrating International Volunteers Day

Mandy Burrell
20 hours ago
3 min read

Every year on International Volunteers Day, we pause to recognise the people who power organisations like ours.

At Hamilton Citizens Advice Bureau, volunteers aren’t an optional extra, they are the heart of everything we do. They ensure our community has access to free, confidential, high-quality advice during some of the most challenging moments in people’s lives.

Our volunteer impact 2024-2025 speaks for itself, and it shows just how vital volunteerism is to Hamilton CAB, our clients, and the wider community.

31 volunteers helped keep Hamilton CAB running

Across reception, administration and advice roles, 31 dedicated volunteers gave their time, empathy and expertise to support local people. Each one plays a part in keeping our doors open, ensuring anyone who needs help can access it without barriers.

Without them, our capacity to serve would be dramatically reduced.

5,270 volunteer hours, the gift of time

Together, our volunteers contributed 170 hours per week, totalling 5,270 hours last year.

Those hours represent:

welcoming people who arrive anxious or overwhelmed,
supporting clients to navigate complex issues,
ensuring casework is handled with care,
and making sure the bureau runs smoothly day-to-day.

Every hour volunteered directly translates into support for someone in crisis.

Equivalent to 5 full-time staff but powered by community spirit

The collective contribution of our volunteers equates to five full-time staff members.

If Hamilton CAB had to fund those hours, it would cost around £133,000 per year, a cost we could never realistically meet.

That figure illustrates one of the most powerful truths about volunteering:

Volunteers make essential services possible.

Supporting 2,748 people through 3,817 issues

The need in our community is real and increasing.

Thanks to our volunteers:

2,748 people received help,
across 3,817 unique advice issues ranging from housing, benefits and debt to employment, consumer rights and more.

Many clients arrive feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or without anywhere else to turn. Volunteers make sure they leave with clarity, support, and the confidence to move forward.

£132,067.80 in financial gains for clients

Because of our volunteers’ hard work, clients collectively gained £132,067.80 in financial outcomes, which is life-changing support for families and individuals facing real hardship.

This figure represents:

successful benefit claims,
debt solutions,
safer and warmer homes,
and advocacy that helps people secure what they’re entitled to.

Volunteers don’t just give advice, they help restore stability and hope.

Our Volunteers Matter. Not Just Today, But Every Day

International Volunteers Day gives us a moment to acknowledge volunteers everywhere. But at Hamilton Citizens Advice, we feel their impact every single day.

Volunteering matters:

It keeps essential community services free and accessible
It amplifies empathy, kindness and solidarity
It turns local people into agents of positive change
It strengthens the resilience of the whole community
It transforms lives, including the lives of volunteers themselves

Thank you to all our volunteers

Your commitment ensures that when people in Hamilton need help, they have somewhere to turn.

You give time. You give compassion. You give hope.

And for that, we are immensely grateful.

Want to make a difference?

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, whether a few hours a week or a specific skills-based role, International Volunteers Day is the perfect moment to take the first step.

We provide full training, ongoing guidance, and a friendly, supportive environment where you can grow your confidence, learn new skills, and make a real impact.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in your community, we’d love to welcome you to the Hamilton Citizens Advice volunteer team.

If you’re interested in getting involved, please get in touch with us to find out more about current volunteer opportunities.