#BePartOfCitizensAdvice: Andrew

Meet Andrew Taberner , Community Advisor in Oldham and Stockport

Andrew is one of our Community Advisers, and he is fairly new to working at Citizens Advice, after spending over 17 years working within the hospitality sector. Not a natural progression some may say, but for Andrew, it made perfect sense and even allowed him to draw on many of his skills homed in the hospitality sector.

Andrews comments “I’ve been made to feel very welcome since I started, and I’m very impressed with the wider opportunities the role brings. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to expand my knowledge, but I’ve been given so many learning opportunities which has allowed me to expand my knowledge from day one.”

It is clear to see why Andrew has fitted into the team so well since he started, his drive and determination to help others is apparent and he credits a lot of his drive to the people he has helped and advised along the way. Andrew comments: “Working in a supportive environment surrounded by friendly, hardworking colleagues, makes coming to work easy. Team that with the knowledge that I’m (we’re) helping individuals overcome their problems and find a solution, is what I thrive on.”

“It’s a great feeling being able to make a difference, no matter how big or small. My role is extremely fast paced, especially with the cost-of-living crisis impacting so heavily on whole communities, which in turn means we’re seeing energy prices increasing on a daily basis, which is putting many families and individuals under immense pressure both financially and emotionally.”

“It’s a cliché but no two days are the same in my role and what doesn’t affect someone one day, will have massive impacts to others on another day. Having a team around me which is supportive and has experienced similar situations before, makes my job easier. Also having a leadership team who are approachable and a line manager who is easily assessable, helps me be the best I can be to continue to support those people who need it most.”