Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (CAEE) is looking to train frontline workers and volunteers from other charities and organisations to become ‘Advice First Aiders’, giving them the skills to identify and direct those in need to CAEE and other critical advice services.
Advice First Aiders do not give advice themselves, but by asking the right questions they are able to identify relevant information, signpost to appropriate organisations, and know when to refer more urgent or complex advice cases to CAEE qualified advisers and caseworkers.
The programme focuses strongly on identifying marginalised or vulnerable groups who can be less likely to access advice when it’s needed: e.g. young people or people with learning difficulties, carers, LGBTQIA+, ethnic minorities, displaced people, and older or isolated people.
This free training session takes approximately two hours, is in person, and is a very lively, interactive experience. Examples of local organisations which have become ‘Advice First Aiders’ include:
Feedback from a person who completed the course included ‘I am now more aware and perceptive of people’s needs which may not at first be obvious’, and ‘the course covered a wide range of possible scenarios troubling most clients’.
Lisa Davis, CEO of CAEE, said: “Advice First Aiders serve as a critical link, connecting people in our community with advice and the essential support services necessary to improve their situations.”
Beyond advice and crisis intervention, Advice First Aid also enables CAEE to identify and take action to address the root causes of problems facing people in the Epsom & Ewell borough through its policy and advocacy work.
Any organisation interested in taking up this this opportunity, please visit our website here.
For information and advice, contact Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell on Freephone 0808 278 7963 or visit https://www.caee.org.uk
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