Meet Turn2us Trainer Julie Ann

We caught up with Julie Ann, a Turn2us and Citizens Advice trainer based in Cardiff, to find out what she enjoys about her line of work and life in the third sector.

Julie Ann trains people on the Turn2us tools around Wales, Bristol and South West England throughout the year.

What's the usual day at work like?

My day job is with the Citizens Advice who work in partnership with a number of local and national organisations.

We deliver training to many third party organisations, not just to raise awareness of our services but to provide welfare benefits training.

We also refer clients to other organisations who may be better placed to support or advise them.

Why is it such an important time for charities to work together?

With statutory sources of help diminishing, especially for the most vulnerable in society, it is vital that charities work together to provide that level of support and help that can make a real difference to their lives.

How long have you been a trainer with Turn2us and what do you enjoy most about it?

I have been a trainer for just over two years. Delivering the workshops provides me with a great sense of achievement, especially knowing that frontline workers can get real results for their clients.

The feedback I receive from intermediaries at workshops is always very positive. They are always amazed by the number of grant-giving organisations we have in our Grant Search, as well as how easy it is to use the online Benefits Calculator.

Intermediaries always find workshops a real eye opener in terms of how we can help them to help their clients.

What value do our workshops bring to frontline workers?

Our workshops are invaluable to frontline workers as not only does it provide them with the means to ensure their clients are receiving the correct level of benefits via our Benefits Calculator, it also enables them to search for grants that can make a real difference to people’s lives.

I use the Grants Search in my day job and have had some great results for clients, providing financial assistance at a time in their lives that they most needed it.

Knowing where to get authoritative information is really important to frontline workers, especially as checking sources on the internet can be very difficult.

Frontline workers need to know that they are providing their clients with the correct advice or signposting to appropriate organisations.

Who inspires you to do what you do?

My mum inspires me as her family lived in one of the most deprived areas of Cardiff and there was no or very little help for her and other families in the area.

I want to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to have a proper standard of living and get support at the most difficult times in their lives.

If you work or volunteer with people on low incomes, book yourself a place at a free Turn2us workshop.