Volunteering in a rewarding environment: Pippa’s Story
It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026, time to thank our dedicated team of 60+ volunteers for all their support. In this series, we highlight a few of our volunteers….
A day in the life of one of our receptionists, Pippa.
“I joined CAEE in December 2024 as a volunteer receptionist having taken redundancy from NHS England, and this looked like an interesting role to undertake whilst looking for a part time role. Being a receptionist for CAEE turned out to be a far more diverse and interesting role than I had imagined.
“My day starts by familiarising myself with the confirmed client appointments for the day and check whether their details are already on our database. I receive the drop-in clients as they arrive liaising with our supervisor if necessary, pass them on to our assessor if appropriate, adding their details to our database or finding their relevant paperwork. Some clients need immediate attention, for example in situations of homelessness or needing food vouchers, or signposting to other organisations that can help.
“I listen to any voicemail messages, check the call back email requests and text messages, adding them all as tasks on our database and diverting them to the appropriate team.
“I have also been helping out with the administration of the Household Support Fund: receiving email applications, requesting evidence of hardship as the fund is means tested, checking information and whether the client has applied and received a voucher previously, responding directly to clients, ordering and issuing e-vouchers, adding to our HSF spreadsheet and the client case with the financial outcome, ensuring that the data matches up. Some applications are made during a face to face meeting with a client, and the same process then applies.
“Clients may also indicate that they are struggling with energy costs or other needs and then I refer them to our dedicated energy team or discuss their needs with our supervisor and take action accordingly.
“In addition, there are always cupboards to tidy, scanning and filing to do, laptops to match with chargers, teas and coffees to make, and post to collect, stamp, scan and send messages to advisers where necessary.”
“This voluntary role is always interesting, it’s a great office environment and the people are dedicated and fun to work with.”
