Volunteering
Most of the advice centres detailed on the website make use of volunteers in some capacity: trainee advisors, administration duties, reception and management committee members for instance. Volunteering in an advice centre is a great way to contribute something to your local community. It also helps you gain skills and experience that will assist you to find work in the future. The Tower Hamlets Trainee Advice Work Project recruits volunteers who train to become advice workers. Agencies also offer work placements to law students and other people who want to gain some experience in social welfare law.
Volunteering vacancies
Tower Hamlets Trainee Advice Work Project
This is an exciting opportunity to train to become an advice worker if you are a resident of Tower Hamlets. You have to be available for a minimum of two days per week for a period of one year, and you should not already be in full-time education or working more than 16 hours to be eligible.
- Trainees attend a formal training course one day per week. The training covers: policies and principles of advice work, welfare benefits, housing, employment, immigration and debt.
- Trainees will also carry out a work placement, for at least one day a week, in one of the agencies detailed in the local advice providers – days/time/venues for this vary.
For further information:
Email jo@island-advice.org.uk
Law Students and Tower Hamlets Non-Residents – Advice Work Placements
We can help you find a voluntary work placement in many of the advice centres in Tower Hamlets. Work will involve interviewing clients, assisting with welfare rights, debt and housing enquiries, doing follow-up letters and casework. All the work is supervised and there are some training sessions available. You must be available for one full day per week for a minimum of 6 months (preferably longer).
- Volunteer Induction Checklist
- Volunteer Policy
- Volunteer Applicant Interview Questions
- Volunteer Expenses Policy
- Volunteer Grievance and Disciplinary Procedure
- Volunteer Agreement
- Volunteer Advisor Supervision Record