Welcome back to our blog. Today, we will be interviewing Matt who started volunteering with us in a receptionist/admin role in August 2025. We’ll be asking him to give us a ‘day in a life’ insight into volunteering with Citizens Advice Plymouth. Let’s get into it!
Firstly, we asked Matt what inspired him to volunteer in our office. He explained that he started volunteering with us after having to leave his job for health reasons. He’d always enjoyed helping people and wanted to add to his skills in customer service and business admin – then later saw it as a piece of giving up his time. He also felt that Citizens Advice is built to help and support people who need it the most.
“Now, I see it more as an extra piece of giving my time and my knowledge.”
He outlined that every working day in Citizens Advice isn’t the same, so he’s continuously learning more in his role working with various clients facing different challenges. In his current role as a Receptionist and Generalist Adviser, Matt greets people at reception and explores the problem they’re facing. Next, he’ll give them information, book an appointment or signpost them to another organisation if they need specialist advice.
“I’m always learning more because every day in Citizens Advice is different.”
Matt told us about his personal and professional growth since joining the team. He had basic admin skills when he first joined our office and has developed his skill set by booking appointments and updating case records. His confidence has grown from being shy to being more outgoing.
He particularly enjoys helping clients through their personal, seamless journey from start to finish, knowing that he feels a sense of accomplishment. He helps clients feel at ease with their own problems and leave confident they are supported with various issues.
“I’m glad I’ve been able to help those that need it because it gives you a sense of accomplishment and they leave this place feeling happy when they’ve managed to get the help they need.”
Matt feels that clients have been leaving with smiles on their faces after coming into Citizens Advice Plymouth on their worst days, or feeling a sense of relief and reassurance. He adds that advice does make a big difference in our community.
Finally, Matt recommends anyone who is thinking about volunteering at Citizens Advice Plymouth to give it a go. He said that Citizens Advice Plymouth is a nice place to volunteer.
“You get given so much respect for giving up your time. It makes you feel loved and welcome to be part of a team.”
He believes that it is the best thing you can do and is worth it every step of the way.
“Supporting Plymouth residents who need some support is gifting and rewarding and feels like you are achieving goals with clients, making their days 10 times better during your free time.”
A big thank you to Matthew for sharing your volunteering experience at Citizens Advice Plymouth! We really enjoyed learning more about you and your experiences in your different roles. If you feel inspired by Matt’s story, come and join us!