Co. Wicklow Citizens Information Service is seeking volunteers to provide information to the community on topics like social welfare entitlements, medical cards, consumer affairs and employment rights.
The number of people using the service continues to grow and more volunteers are needed in Wicklow Citizens Information Centre.
Last year the number of visits to citizensinformation.ie site increased to 14 million, an increase of 37% on the previous year (10.3 million in 2012). The website is provided by the Citizens Information Board.
Some of the most popular information accessed was medical cards, Jobseeker’s Allowance, renewing an Irish passport, Rent Supplement and visa requirements.
In response to changing economic circumstances, a number of microsites have been developed in recent years to cater for specific user needs: losingyourjob.ie; keepingyourhome.ie and selfemployedsupports.ie. These too have experienced significant increases in user traffic, the most notable being a 78% increase in visits to keepingyourhome.ie.
Designed to provide ease of access for everyone, citizensinformation.ie is accessible to those using Assistive Technologies. All content is available in English and Irish with other relevant content available in Polish, French and Romanian.
“Volunteers will be trained in all aspects of this interesting and rewarding work and no previous experience is required”, said Martina Cronin, the Development Manager with Co Wicklow Citizens Information Service.
What do you get in return for your time?
- Flexibility about when you volunteer
- Free accredited training
- Out of pocket expenses
- The opportunity to do interesting and worthwhile voluntary work
- The chance to develop new skills
- The opportunity to meet new people
- A real chance to help your community
“We have over fifty volunteers in our centres who enjoy the challenge of doing something new. They are valued members of the team and we could not provide the service without our Volunteer Information Providers” she said.
If you would like to make a difference in your community please telephone Martina Mobile 087 617 2802 or Tel 0761 07 6780.
Co Wicklow Citizens Information Service provides independent and confidential information, advice and advocacy service on a people’s civil and social rights and entitlements on topics such as Social Welfare, Employment, Health, Consumer Issues and more. It is a free service. There are centres in Bray, Arklow, Wicklow, Baltinglass, Blessington and Glendalough. www.citizensinformation.ie
