Peer Support within the Criminal Justice, Liaison and Diversion Service

Liaison and Diversion identify and supports individuals within the criminal justice system who present with vulnerabilities including mental health needs, learning disabilities, substance misuse, social inclusion or isolation and complex life circumstances.

Following intervention from community link worker some individuals benefit from ongoing, low-level, strengths-based support to maintain engagement and prevent disengagement from services. The volunteer role provides that extended 1-1 support.

We value our volunteers and seek to ensure their diverse roles are rewarding and beneficial to all. Waythrough holds the Investors in Volunteers accreditation.

Essential Criteria before applying – Must have lived experience of the criminal justice system (arrested and held in police custody, convictions/cautions)

 Peer Support Volunteers provide 1:1 low level support to people moving on from the Community Link element of the service, supporting them to engage in community activities and social networks.

Support them in attending appointments and maintain their wellbeing.Attend team training sessions (where relevant), team meetings and complete mandatory annual Elearning.

Tasks may include:

• Regular support sessions (either in person or via phone)
• Offer emotional support and active listening.
• Support individuals to build confidence, independence and resilience.
• Recognise early signs of disengagement.
• Attend supervision (as well as team meetings)
• Always maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Volunteers will not –

• Provide clinical advice or mental health intervention
• Offer legal advice
• Manage Safeguarding concerns independently
• Work with high-risk cases without the volunteer coordinator’s oversight

Skills

we would like you to bring to the role:

• Good listening and communication skills
• Understanding of confidentiality
• Non-judgemental and empathetic towards people with lived experience
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines
• engage in supervision
• complete relevant training
• Confident to contact people by email / phone
• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
• Ability to keep a track of multiple tasks and report back on progress
• Good IT skills
• Good time keeping
• Attention to detail
• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough