AN Okehampton volunteer for Devon-based charity Citizens Advice said that helping others has played a vital role in maintaining his emotional well-being.

Citizens Advice offers free, confidential and impartial advice from two outlets in the West Devon area, supporting local residents with around 6,500 individual issues each year.

Th offices in Okehampton run a range of digital services including telephone, email and webchat advice and are currently looking for more operators to give advice to the community.

John Thorpe, 61, is an adviser currently working the phones in Okehampton. He said volunteering for the local charity provided tremendous stimulation, development and responsibility, as well as satisfaction that you were helping those in need.

John said: ‘I am constantly developing and learning new things every single week – whether it’s more in depth knowledge of a particular subject, changes in the law, or developing new knowledge and skills in a specialism such as debt advice.

‘I work with a great team of people who, as well as the role itself, constantly stretch and challenge me.

‘I believe volunteering for Citizens Advice provides tremendous mental stimulation and being able to play an active part in such an important service gives me a real sense of purpose and direction.’

A spokesperson for Citizens Advice said: ‘ As the backbone of the service, volunteers on the phones support people with a wide range of issues from employment and housing concerns to family and consumer issues.

‘Full expenses and training are provided as well as ongoing support and coaching. If you have availability for one day a week, good communication and computer skills and would like a satisfying challenge that enables you to meet a range of people and give something back to the public, please do get in touch through [email protected] or 01237 426070.’