A free Mid Wales advice service is on the lookout for volunteers willing to give up their time to help members of the public.

Staff at Advice Mid Wales say they need people to staff their service in a variety of roles as they ramp up again following the easing of pandemic restrictions.

The service provides advice and support to people who lack the confidence to deal with what issues surrounding debt, welfare benefits, housing, employment, consumer, relationships, and pension issues. The Advice provided is free, impartial and completely confidential.

General Manager, Cyril Evans, said: "While our small team has been doing an excellent job, as we now slowly get back to some form of normality, we are looking for more people who wish to give something back to their local community, and what better way is there than by helping and supporting others at what is often a very difficult and stressful time in their lives.

"As I’m sure you can imagine, becoming a volunteer advisor can be immensely rewarding, and as we provide training, there's no need for any previous experience in this area. We will be happy to have you join us even if you can only spare a few hours a month."

"If you fancy volunteering but not necessarily becoming an advisor, then this isn’t a problem at all as there are plenty of other important roles to carry out to help us ensure the Advice Centre continues to be here for our community, including keeping the office clean, administration, filing, shredding, reception work and so forth."

Mr Evans says that even during the current pandemic, which has led to restricted services and hours, trained and experienced advisors have been helping people cope with, and overcome, many of the problems faced in everyday living.

Advice Mid Wales are usually open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 14:30 at the Care Centre, Forge Road, Machynlleth. The service has been open to offer advice, advocacy and representation by telephone and email, as well as by means of limited face to face appointments as and when Welsh Government Coronavirus Restrictions have allowed.

Advice Mid Wales are also in need of more trustees to serve on the board, including someone to take on the role of Company Secretary.

Anyone who is interested in becoming involved in any way with the service should contact Mr Evans directly on 01654 700192 or cyril.evans@advicemidwales.org.uk