The Mentor Volunteer will be providing support to Forward Trust clients with transitioning and reintegrating intotheir local community from the day of their release from custody. The purpose of the role is to ensure people on probation will have support on their first 6 months after prison release, which will in return decrease the chances of them reoffending.
Depending on the available time you have to volunteer, you will be allocatedmentees who you will meet to develop an action plan to support them as they return to their community.
You will supportpeople to attend theirplanned appointments and providethem with mentoring support for the first 6 months after release, helping them with issues such as engaging withtheir ongoing drug and/or alcohol recovery needs, housing, applying for benefits, organising and arranging appointments with professionals and services (e.g. mental health, drugs and alcohol treatment services).
To be successful in this role you will be passionate about supporting ex-offenders in their rehabilitation journey,have a good knowledge of the issues faced by people on probation along with good communication and interpersonal skills.
All applicants are required to have lived experience of prison, probation and addiction recovery.Training is provided to support mentorswith theirduties and this will enable you to furtherdevelop your knowledge,skills and experience.
About Organisation
The Forward Trust empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of addiction or crime to move forward with theirlives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive futures. Webelieve that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to makechanges to create better lives with jobs, family, friends and a sense of community.
If in recovery from addiction, to be 6 months abstinent from all mood altering substances
• Commitment to support ex-offenders re-integrated back into the community and remain crime and drug free.
•To have a clear understanding of confidentiality
• To have a clear understanding of how to set and maintain boundaries
• To have knowledge of the issues facing problematic drug users on a day to day basis
• Excellent time keeping and reliability
• Own an Android or Apple mobile phone
• Good Communication and Interpersonal skills
• Willingness and ability to follow instructions and reflect on practice
• Empathy skills
• To be able to treat clients in a positive and non-judgemental manner
• To be committed to own learning and development
• Driving license is desirable although not essential.
| Slot | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Afternoon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Evening | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This is a flexible opportunity and you will be required to agree when you can attend directly with the provider of the opportunity.
This opportunity is available Countywide.
Farleigh Hospice
St Vincents Centre Southend
City of Chelmsford Mencap
Essex Search & Rescue
Frontline Partnership
The Forward Trust