THE search is on to find people who want to make a difference to their community.

Halton Citizens Advice Bureau is recruiting 100 new volunteers following a surge in people urgently seeking help.

Many are struggling to cope with huge debt and financial problems.

Hitesh Patel, Halton CAB chief executive said: “We are seeing some really desperate cases.

“For more than 6,000 people a year, we are still the first place they turn to when they have a problem.

“That is why we need to grow our team of volunteer advisers.

“Volunteers find this work very rewarding.

“It is a very stimulating environment. Perhaps there are people taking early retirement who still want to keep their brain active.”

Volunteers will receive professional training with their own personal mentor, thanks to a lottery funded advice services transition fund.

As part of this project, the charity has already trained 50 volunteers from other organisations, including Age UK and Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Centre.

Halton Clr Eddie Jones, board member for the voluntary sector, said: “The lottery funded project is an exciting partnership and it’s good to see that it is benefitting the whole advice sector in Halton.

“I have seen first-hand how good the training a the CAB is.

“Because they give advice in multiple areas of law under one roof it means most people can get their problems solved quickly.”

Many CAB volunteers often find full time work, thanks to their in-depth training and experience.

Nine have secured jobs in the past 18 months.

Halton CAB is an independent registered charity and advises people of their legal rights and responsibilities. There are two offices in Lugsdale Road, Widnes and Runcorn Shopping Centre.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can call Halton CAB on 0151 257 2449 or email advice@haltoncab.org.uk.