Volunteer Mentor – VH256

Community Chaplaincy Norfolk; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A community support charity is seeking empathetic mentors to assist individuals transitioning from prison to society in Norfolk. This role involves providing practical and emotional support, building trusting relationships, and engaging in various activities. Applicants should have excellent communication skills and be able to commit at least 2 hours a week for at least 12 months. Training and support are provided.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in teaching or coaching roles is an advantage.
• Lives experience of the criminal justice system is beneficial.
• Must be over the age of 25.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical support to clients, such as filling out forms.
• Build positive relationships and help clients navigate their transition.
• Engage in activities with clients to promote confidence and independence.

Skills

Empathy

Great listening skills

Excellent communication

IT literacy

Job description

Overview

Role: A Community Chaplaincy Norfolk mentor works with a prison leaver (client) to build a positive relationship and bridge the daunting transition between prison and the outside world, often meeting their client at the gate on the day of release. They are looking for empathetic, confident people with great listening skills to become mentors for people leaving prison across Norfolk.

Mentors offer practical support, such as help filling out forms and attending appointments, as well as emotional support and advice to build confidence and independence. Some of the activities mentors and clients have done together include dog walks, cinema trips, and visiting art galleries, as well as meeting up regularly for a coffee and a chat.

Responsibilities

• Provide practical and emotional support to people leaving prison, helping with tasks like filling out forms and attending appointments.
• Build positive, trusting relationships and help clients navigate the transition from prison to the community.
• Engage in activities with clients (e.g., walks, outings, conversations) to support confidence and independence.

Time commitment

We’re looking for people over the age of 25 who are empathetic but confident setting firm boundaries, who are excellent communicators and IT literate. Relevant experience is an advantage (teaching or coaching roles, work with vulnerable people, or lived experience of the criminal justice system).

Mentors should be able to volunteer for at least 2 hours a week, and we ask for an initial 12 month commitment to the role.

What training is provided

Mentors are required to complete an 8-week training course, consisting of one 2-hour session per week, covering safeguarding, boundaries, the criminal justice system and more. We also offer ongoing training, support, and regular supervision sessions for all our volunteers.

How to get involved

The next course begins on Tuesday 23rd January, 2024. Please get in touch for an application form and an informal chat about what we do, and whether this role might be the right fit for you.

About the organisation

Community Chaplaincy Norfolk (CCN) is a Christian charity that trains and supports volunteers of all faiths and none to mentor people leaving prison, walking with them on their journey to rebuild their lives.

“I feel good about the fact that I can walk with somebody along this journey, encourage them to get through that door and move on to new and positive places. It’s a real privilege.”
-Tom, CCN Mentor

How to apply

If you are interested in this role and would like to apply or would like more information, contact the Volunteer Hub at Merchants’ Place –
E: [e-mail]
T: 01263 519454

Alternatively, you can complete an online registration form and your details will be sent to us directly. A link for the form can be found on our Volunteer Hub page on our website