Welfare reform is leading to growing demand for free support in the Blackbird Leys community, The Agnes Smith Advice Centre reported.

Gail Craig, the centre’s senior advisor and volunteer supervisor, said that requests for help with money, debt, benefits, housing and employment issues were increasing, resulting in a need for more volunteers to train as advisers to meet demand.

The Agnes Smith Advice Centre has been has been offering free and impartial advice in the Blackbird Leys community for more than 40 years, through drop-in sessions which are held four times a week, appointments, an over-50s service, an appointment-only legal advice service each fortnight and home visits for people with mobility problems.

Gail Craig said that people accessing the service could be concerned about a variety of situations, be in or out of work, at home with caring responsibilities, or suffering from ill health.

She said “The Advice Centre’s aim is to give everyone the opportunity to get immediate assistance with whatever issue is troubling them. Anyone who has ever received advice and assistance or knows someone who has will know how valuable this kind of service is.

“Often people need help when their situation changes unexpectedly such as when they are made redundant, have a child with a disability, or maybe they are the only member of the family able to take on caring for a relative who is no longer able to look after themselves.

“When someone has lost their job or had to give up work they often need help claiming the benefits they are entitled to. A sudden drop in income can also lead to people accumulating debts and they frequently need help negotiating repayment at a rate that it affordable for them and their families.”

Volunteer Advisers do not need to have experience of advice work as full training and support are provided.

Gail Craig added: “Volunteers need free time to give and a welcoming and non-judgmental approach.

“This role is an excellent opportunity to gain and develop skills.

“We’re keen to hear from people who want to help people in the Blackbird Leys community to maximise their income, reduce poverty and promote wellbeing and stability.

“It’s a highly satisfying role.”

To find out more, contact the Agnes Smith Advice Centre on 01865 770206 or visit their website agnessmith.co.uk