Lincolnshire Charity Looking for Volunteers
Could you spare some time to help vulnerable people involved in the criminal justice system?
This Volunteers’ Week (1st to 7th June) Lincolnshire Action Trust is seeking volunteers and mentors to work with the charity.
Lincolnshire Action Trust is looking to recruit volunteers and mentors from Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland over the next month who have a few spare hours a week to join the charity’s team in working with men and women with convictions to settle into the community as they work towards making positive changes to their lives.
The mentoring scheme offers support, guidance and encouragement to young people and adults to reduce re-offending. Mentors help with tasks including attending appointments, job or higher education applications, opening a bank account or offering a listening ear for those keen to talk through any issues to improve mental health.
David (surname withheld) said: “I would never have thought when being released from prison in 2015 that I would be doing a university degree and volunteering for the very place that has supported me through this entire process. I now volunteer as a mentor to others.
“Being able to pass on my lived experience to others who may feel similar to how I did is very important, and being able to offer my support in helping someone find their feet again is an extremely rewarding experience.”
Alison Goddard, Chief Executive of LAT, said: “Volunteers can have a powerful and positive impact on the people they work with, and volunteering can be incredibly rewarding. Those who go on to become volunteers at LAT can expect to play an important role in providing support and help to families who are visiting their relatives or friends in prison.
“We believe that as well as helping others, mentoring has been shown to improve the wellbeing for the mentor too. It’s human nature to feel good after helping someone. Volunteering and mentoring can also help people to gain valuable new skills and experiences, and boost confidence. It allows people to explore a career in the sector and give something back.”
Lincolnshire Action Trust welcomes applications from people of all ages and backgrounds across the region who have a commitment to working with both children and adults.
Alison added: “The volunteer roles would suit people who have a few hours to spare each week, who want to improve their skills and experience and who may be looking to do something different. One key thing that we do ask when it comes to volunteering with us is that you must be non-judgmental and enjoy helping others.
“If this sounds like you then we’d love for you to apply to volunteer at Lincolnshire Action Trust!”
Volunteers’ Week runs from 1st to 7th June and the charity is hoping to engage more volunteers keen to support those most in need.
To find out more about the volunteer positions currently available at LAT, visit the website. Alternatively, you can email volunteering@LATcharity.org or call a member of the team on 01522 806611.
To find out more about Lincolnshire Action Trust, visit the website.
Notes for editors:
- Established in 2000, Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT) is a registered charity based in Lincoln.
- LAT provides advice, guidance and advocacy to individuals across the nine reducing reoffending pathways: accommodation; health; finance, benefits and debt; education, training and employment; family and relationships; drugs and alcohol; attitudes, thinking and behaviour; and abuse.
- The charity works with statutory and non-statutory agencies to improve the skills and employability of individuals involved in the criminal justice system in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland and Leicestershire, as well as their families and children.
- LAT delivers a proactive and innovative partnership approach to achieve the care, resettlement and rehabilitation of individuals in the criminal justice system, those at risk of entering the criminal justice system and their families.
- Lincolnshire Action Trust identifies client needs and gaps in current provision and designs bespoke services to address them. Services are tailored to the individual and include sessions on advice and guidance, debt and financial advice, accommodation support, employability and family support and disclosure.
- LAT hosts the UK’s first ‘Departure Lounge’ at HMP Lincoln, which aims to support people as they are released from prison. The lounge offers a basic help package to address any immediate needs but can also provide guidance on housing, travel and other long-term needs.
- LAT delivers SPARC+ (Supporting People After Remand or Conviction) – an assessment service at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court which addresses the immediate needs of individuals who have been sentenced.
- For more information visit: www.LATcharity.org.uk
For media information, please contact:
