HE HAS helped prisoners on life sentences, but a Citizens Advice volunteer says solving the problems of West Oxfordshire residents is just as worthwhile.

Robin Jenkin, an ex-member of the prison chaplaincy service, has called for others across the district to join him in dedicating a few hours of their time to the charity.

The 75-year-old is one of 70 people at the organisation's West Oxfordshire branch giving up 500 hours each week to help those struggling with housing, debt, employment issues and more.

Citizens Advice is currently recruiting more volunteers from a range of backgrounds and Mr Jenkin championed the charity's vital work.

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He said: "It's a very worthwhile role and hugely satisfying.

"It enables you to put back into the system when so many of us have taken so much out.

"You're dealing with people who might otherwise not have the wherewithal to get advice."

The Bampton resident has been volunteering at one of the charity's drop-in centres for two-and-a-half years, working one day each week.

Before he retired, Mr Jenkin spent 11 years in the chaplaincy service and was CEO of an electronics company before that.

He did not know it then, but the time spent helping prisoners served him well in his current role.

Mr Jenkin said: "One man I worked with was nearing the end of what was originally a life sentence.

"He was coming out after 12 to 14 years and had no relatives anywhere, and nowhere to live.

"We helped get him housing and now he's doing well."

He added: "The work in chaplaincy is becoming less spiritual and more of a social worker."

Housing is one of many areas where Citizens Advice can provide support.

Mr Jenkin normally works as part a team of six to eight volunteers, none of whom will know in advance the issues brought to them by clients.

In the last financial year, the charity helped 5,300 people with 17,300 issues, making a difference to countless lives across West Oxfordshire.

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It is recruiting in a variety of voluntary positions, including fundraising, advisers and administrators and is currently looking for Polish-speaking volunteers.

With the launch of the new Community Connect project, Citizens Advice is also looking for volunteers to help people engage with community activities and groups to improve their health and wellbeing.

Teresa Archer, the charity's chief officer, said: “All sorts of people volunteer with us for many different reasons, but one thing that our volunteers tell us is that volunteering with Citizens Advice is enjoyable, rewarding, challenging and varied.

"If you’d like to help people in your area and can spare a few hours, we’d love to hear from you."

For more information visit caox.org.uk