A severe volunteer shortage could force Brentwood's Citizens Advice Bureau to cut back desperately needed services, managers have warned.

The bureau urgently needs an influx of new volunteers to maintain the current levels of service at its base in Crown Street, and has issued an appeal for fresh blood.

Otherwise some of the bureau's vital specialist advice sessions - covering subjects as diverse as benefits; debt problems; the law; matrimonial matters; employment; and even difficult neighbours - might have to be dropped.

Manager Jo Ilett explained: "Because of people retiring we are 10 volunteers short at the moment. We have three new ones in training, but it's not enough, we need more.

"People are already having to wait longer than they would normally have to to see someone, and we are coming up to the holiday season.

"At the moment we are managing to keep open, but it could be that we have close odd sessions."

To tackle the problem, the CAB is planning an awareness week from Monday, during which volunteers will leaflet the High Street and Chapel High and mount a display in the library, all in a bid to make the public more aware of the services it provides and to increase recruitment.

It is also holding an open day at its Crown Street building between 2 and 8pm next Thursday.

The bureau needs reliable people with 'good people skills' prepared to put in two half days or one full day every week. Qualifications are unnecessary as all volunteers will be fully trained to a level equivalent to NVQ.

If that sounds like you, Call Jo Ilett on 01277 222888, visit the bureau, or pop along to the open day.

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