Volunteering with Nucleus LAC

David Strong told Royal Borough what he gained from his voluntary work at Nucleus Legal Advice Centre, a drop-in centre on Old Brompton Road that offers free help with housing, debt and welfare benefit issues.

What made you think about volunteering?

When I got back to the UK in the 1990s after working abroad for a number of years I couldn’t find a job. I didn’t want to sit at home and do nothing, so I began to volunteer.

How did you become involved with Nucleus?

I saw an advert at what is now the Volunteer Centre Kensington and Chelsea for a position at Nucleus and it looked like something I would enjoy. Ten years on I’m still working there two days a week.

What’s your role as a volunteer?

My main responsibility is to appeal against Department for Work and Pension decisions regarding medical and welfare benefits. This can be a complicated procedure – from filling in application forms to giving evidence at a tribunal – and without organisations like Nucleus people would have less chance to correct the mistakes that sometimes get made. Our work matters because it’s those with the least that lose out most; our clients may not speak English as a first language, which can be even more frustrating.

Have you noticed more people approaching you because of the ‘credit crunch’?

The problem of debt and financial trouble never goes away and it does seem to be on the increase now, but most of our cases deal with more fundamental issues around housing and welfare benefits; these are people who are not so much worried about credit cards as about keeping a roof over their heads.

What does being a volunteer mean to you?

It’s a combination; I know that by working there I’m helping people and doing some good, but it’s not all virtuous. I began volunteering because I needed a constructive way to spend my time and as I’m now retired that’s still true. I’m not sacrificing my time – it’s one of the most fulfilling jobs I’ve had. Nucleus LAC provides a range of free legal advice and specialises in benefits, debt and housing.

Drop-in sessions are held at 298 Old Brompton Road every weekday except Wednesday and appointments can be made at other times. Call 020 7373 4005, email advice@nucleus.org.uk or visit www.nucleus.org.uk/index.htm for more information.