Crosslight's Summer 2024 Newsletter
This week is National Volunteers’ Week, and in this newsletter we share the stories of some of our volunteers that are so integral to our mission to restore dignity and renew hope.
Crosslight turns 15 later this year. Many things have changed over that period, but one thing that has remained resolute is the dedication and commitment of our volunteers. It was my own volunteering that was one of the drivers to start Crosslight, and right from day one we have had the privilege of being lifted up by the most incredible group of individuals, who have given - often very sacrificially - to support our work. Alongside our amazing staff team, it is humbling to have so many volunteers, from so many walks of life, giving so generously of their skills, energy and compassion. From supporting us financially, to working intensively with our clients week-in, week-out. our volunteers are the lifeblood of Crosslight, and are rightly to be celebrated.
I hope the stories below will inspire you to volunteer yourself, or to support our vital work financially.
Bruce, Crosslight CEO
Why did you start volunteering with Crosslight?
“Being a Crosslight volunteer is so profoundly important to me, more than I ever expected it could or would be. Every single person comes in with a different situation; no day volunteering is boring!” Susan
Sophie: “I came to the point of wanting to change things in my life. This included the desire to do some volunteering and so I set about researching what opportunities were on offer in my local area. I wanted something that offered direct person to person interaction. I came across Crosslight quite early on in my research and found the information on the website…it like a real positive fit for me. Crosslight is a small enough charity where it has a real community feel and the ability to build a real connection, but also big enough to have a good infrastructure and be efficient in its work.”
Duncan: “I lost my job because of Brexit and the shock of this and then the pandemic made my situation quite difficult, but I knew I wanted to do something with my time. Growing up, I had wanted to be a social worker and so when I lost my job, I decided I wanted to volunteer and give something back. I had heard about Crosslight from some of my neighbours who had already volunteered, and they told me it was a very valuable thing to do. When I spoke with the local branch manager, he stressed that there were 3 important things to possess in order to become a debt adviser: the same values as Crosslight, an interest in and empathy for people, and financial acumen. Luckily, I had all 3!”
Sarah: “I got made redundant, and it wasn’t a great situation. It was a shock as I had worked there for years ...but I couldn’t just sit still and do nothing. I started to research what was out there volunteering-wise in my local area and came across Crosslight. I looked at what a budget coach does and I really liked the sound of it; I’ve always been told I’ve got empathy with people so I really felt like I could do it. It was also obvious in my research that there was great training involved with Crosslight which was perfect.”
Eniola: "My experience working with the homeless while I was at university gave me a deep empathy for those in need and a strong desire to tackle the root causes of their struggles. I have seen the challenges they face first hand and know that poverty is a complicated issue that needs a broad approach. By volunteering in Crosslight's fundraising team, I can use my skills and knowledge from the finance sector to make a lasting impact and help prevent poverty, which can lead to severe situations like homelessness and mental health issues."
Stephen has been volunteering for Crosslight since 2017. Having been a member of the congregation of a church that other volunteers attended, Stephen was aware of Crosslight’s work for a few years before taking the heartwarming decision to become other people’s ‘parachute’ after being given one himself during a hard time in his life.
What does volunteering at crosslight look like?
Sophie reflects on her initial impressions of volunteering with Crosslight: “After I’d started shadowing and training, I realised that it was going to be something I really wanted to do. It was a huge learning curve, especially getting so involved in something on a voluntary basis as it’s so different to paid work. I’ve been a volunteer for a year and learned a whole new set of skills and ways of looking at things and experiences. The knowledge I now have has opened my eyes up to what is happening out there. Being a debt adviser really brings the reality of what people are experiencing in this country to the forefront of your mind.”
Duncan explains what he’s experienced and learned in his role with Crosslight: “Since becoming a volunteer, which I’ve been doing for a year and a half, it is clear to me that I’ve made the right choice to get involved as it is both challenging and rewarding. I hope I’m adding a bit of value to the team. I’m in full admiration of the full-time staff, they really are a team of stars and the team I work with are so nice. My branch manager is good at making people feel part of the team; the whole team is great at caring, and considerate of all volunteers [and] the training available at Crosslight is really good.”
Why would our volunteers encourage others to get involved?
Susan: “Everyone at Crosslight is just so nice, and it really does feel like a big family. I always feel that if nothing else has happened in my week, I know I’ve done some good and helped someone. You can physically see clients getting better when you work with them as debt can have such a physical and mental impact on a person. A recent client was in a bad place when they first came to us and had physical and mental health issues whereby at each appointment they would be suffering and there were so many tears, but they are now laughing, which is incredible!”
“You have that fantastic tangible impact on someone else's life. You see the weight lift off people’s shoulders and they walk out of the room differently to when they walked in.” Sophie
David has been a volunteer debt adviser for longer than Crosslight Advice has been a charity, so he brings a huge wealth of knowledge and experience to his role.
WHY Crosslight volunteers are so incredibly important
Kelly, one of our clients, shared her experience of working with a volunteer debt adviser at Crosslight Advice:
“I cannot thank Crosslight enough and out of all the orgnisations I know about and have been involved with, I think Crosslight supersedes all of them. [My adviser] should be given a knighthood! He’s a volunteer and nothing is ever too much trouble. He’s got so much passion, empathy and a fantastic sense of humour. I know I’m only one of goodness knows how many clients and he’s always got that time for you. He never tried to hurry up and end a meeting, he is just a great people person.
When I speak to him it’s like speaking to an old friend. You build up a rapport with your adviser. You wouldn’t get that same level of interaction with other organisations. If he didn’t know something, he would put me onto someone who did or find out and come back to me. He is so kind and generous. I’ve been on a journey with [Crosslight] for a few years now. Once I got the DRO, I was sad I couldn’t talk with [My adviser] anymore. But he told me I wouldn’t be forgotten about or left on my own. I’m now getting help from a Budget Coach at Crosslight and know I can always get help and support if I need it.”
What volunteering opportunities are there?
Tanya, our Head of People, would love for even more people to join our volunteering team and shares, “Our volunteer team are absolutely vital to the work that we undertake to support our clients here at Crosslight and we never take that for granted! Volunteering for Crosslight can make a huge difference to some of the most vulnerable in society and provides plenty of opportunities to serve and ‘give something back’ to the communities we serve. This could include training to provide Debt Advice, Budget Coaching or facilitation of our hugely popular Money Course! Becoming a volunteer takes dedication, a passion for seeing lives changed and often involves learning many new skills. We are fully committed to supporting our volunteers and this includes a comprehensive internal induction programme, a wealth of learning and development opportunities through our ‘Crosslight Learning Academy’, quarterly ‘in person’ networking and social events as well as the provision of external skills development training. Volunteering with Crosslight can be hugely rewarding and enriching and can make a huge difference to so many!'“
As you can see from the stories in this newsletter, there are many different types of volunteering roles at Crosslight Advice. We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities including in our financial capability, debt, fundraising and head office teams. There really is something for everyone: volunteering with Crosslight is flexible and rewarding, as you’ve heard!
Different roles held by our current volunteers
