The Citizens Advice Bureau has been giving free, confidential and impartial advice to people in Stratford for over 20 years but that could soon come to an end, warns co-ordinator Bernice Mitchell.
Bernice says unless they can increase the number of volunteers from the current pool of nine, they will soon have to consider closing their doors for good.
"We need to have two people rostered on for each three hour shift, and just with people taking leave or being off sick, we are already running at the absolute minimum," she says.
They have only managed to keep their doors open for so long thanks to what Bernice describes as "the generosity of our volunteers, who take on extra shifts to cover those gaps", something she says just isn't sustainable.
Bernice is hoping that the new year will bring some new volunteers to help keep Stratford people informed, and says that potential volunteers simply need to be able to commit to one three hour shift a week (between 10am and 1pm) and be willing to learn as well as having some basic computer skills.
"Age is no barrier, we have one fantastic volunteer who started with us in her late 70s, for example.
"Volunteering at the Citizens Advice Bureau is a great way to make new friends and learn some new skills as well."
Bernice says that for her, volunteering at the Bureau gives her the satisfaction of helping people.
"Some who would not have anywhere else to go if we weren't here."
Bernice doesn't want to see the doors of the Citizens Advice Bureau shut permanently as she doesn't know where else people would be able to get information from.
"We deal with such a range of enquiries, from immigration concerns through to issues with a landlord or employer.
"We also have access to a translation service that offers 25 different languages, ensuring people can get help and advice regardless of their level of English."
Bernice says if anyone reading this is interested in finding out more, they can pop in to see her and the rest of the friendly team at their office on Broadway just by the glockenspiel, Monday to Friday, 10am - 1pm.
Alternatively give them a call on 06 765 5250 and leave a message with your name and phone number and they will get back to you.