How does it work?
The supporters work as a team - they visit
prison on a monthly basis and deliver a motivational talk to a
group of young offenders. Supporters share their life experience to
inspire young offenders that they too can turn their life around
and live successfully. Once matched, supporters visit their clients
monthly in prison and write letters to them. Supporters meet their
client at the gate (if required) on their release to ensure they
reach their accommodation safely. The primary role of a supporter
is to inspire and motivate their client. The secondary role is to
support their client to access appropriate services for their
resettlement needs e.g. benefits, accommodation or health. The
project is being piloted in the South West, South East and Northern
Ireland.
Who is eligible?
Young people must be:
- Aged between 16 – 30 years old
- Within 6 months of their release from prison
- Interested in resettlement support
Volunteer Supporters must be:
- former offenders with experience of prison
- free from offending behaviour for 2 years
- free from any substance misuse issues for 2 years
How does it help?
Young people will receive 12 months support
from a Volunteer Supporter:
- Visits/correspondence while in prison for 6 months before
release
- Met at the gate on the day of their release
- Meetings in community for 6 months after release
- Support with their transition from prison to community by a
positive role model
What do volunteers gain?
The role will give you the opportunity to:
- Develop mentoring skills
- Develop skills and knowledge relating to
working with young people
- Take on a new challenge and make a real
difference to young people’s lives
Contacts
South West
HMP Guys Marsh
Sharon
Cooper or Obi
Unaka
HMP Dorchester
Ginette
Boyd
HMP Eastwood Park
Hayley
Court
South East
HMP Winchester
Val
Thorpe
For the following please contact:
Adam
Carne
HMP Ford
HMP Lewes
HMP Rochester
HMP Feltham
YOI Cookham Wood
Northern Ireland
Hydebank Wood
Rory
Brown