Care Leavers Support Volunteer

Our project engages with young people (aged 18 to 24 years old) in custody who have had some experience of the care system as a child. The project aims to facilitate contact for the young person with their local authority personal advisor or social worker, and any family members or significant others they may wish to contact. Over all we support the young person whilst they are serving their sentence, and around the planned release. The project will also offer a group work programme around independent living skills, positive relationships and resilience.

We are looking for an empathetic individual to work with and support the Project Worker on our Care Leaver project. The principle role will require a number of administrative tasks, to ensure all records are up to date and communicated with partner agencies. This voluntary position includes some face to face work with young male prisoners, working with the Project Worker to engage with individuals discussing childhood experiences, support systems and planning for the future. We are in the process of developing workshops, programme delivery and peer support so there will also be some opportunities to participate in group work.

Main tasks include:

  • Support the 1:1 work with young prisoners
  • Interview prisoners with the Project Worker
  • Keep records of the interviews, both written and on excel spreadsheets
  • To engage with partner agencies, updating them on our involvement and/ or requesting information
  • Assist the group work programmes
  • Assist with all monitoring paperwork for the project

Skills

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work with empathy
  • Some understanding of early years/childhood trauma
  • Good IT skills – with some experience of Excel/data entry
  • Excellent literacy and ability to keep records

Location:

HMP & YOI Deerbolt.


Details

  • DBS check required
  • Expenses reimbursed
    Public transport costs or mileage up to 22 mile radius at 40p per mile.
  • Ongoing support
  • Training provided
    · Initial project induction and training · Level 1 Safeguarding training available · Invite to Nepacs Generic induction · Volunteer meetings are held at regular intervals throughout the year · NEPACS offer a training day for all volunteers annually · Volunteers are eligible to attend some prison organised training
  • Volunteer induction
    Initial project induction and training
  • Written role description

When can I volunteer?

Start Date: 10/03/2023

End Date: 29/03/2025

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Afternoon Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Evening No No No No No No No

Location

HM Prison Deerbolt,
Bowes Rd.
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 9BG

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