Leaving Prison Mentors
In this role former offenders have the
opportunity to support young adults through their transition
from prison to the community.
In brief
The project enables former offenders to support young adults
through their transition from prison to community. The idea for
this project came directly from young people who had experience of
the criminal justice sector. Although the role is mentoring we have
chosen to use term ‘supporter’ instead of ‘mentor.’
About the role
Supporters work as a team delivering a monthly
motivational talk to a group of young adults in prison. 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 Prince’s Trust is looking for former
offenders (with experience of prison) to be positive role models
for young adults in custody. The project is being piloted in the
South East region and we are looking for new supporters in this
area.
As a supporter you will:
- Use your life experience to inspire others that it is possible
to change
- Visit your client regularly in custody to help them prepare for
release
- Meet them at the gate on their release and support them in the
community
To be a supporter you
must:
- have experience of being a prisoner
- be located in the South East region
- out of prison/criminal activity for the last 2 years
- clean from substance misuse for the last 2 years
- have the time to volunteer
- be a positive role model
You will receive intensive training with
follow-up specialist support.
If you would like to discuss this further
please contact Val Thorpe on 02380 622666 or
email val.thorpe@princes-trust.org.uk
If you would like to apply for this position
please complete the application form and send to:
Val Thorpe
The Prince's Trust
Unit 1B 15
Wessex House, Upper Market Street
Eastleigh, Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Volunteers working with young people aged
below 18 or with vulnerable adults are required to undergo and
satisfactorily obtain enhanced disclosure from the Criminal Records
Bureau (or equivalent in Scotland or Northern
Ireland).