Volunteering within a Prison Environment
If you are looking for volunteering within a prison environment, we now have opportunities to get involved within Cardiff Prison. You must be aged 18+.
The aim of this service is to provide information, guidance and support to prisoners’ family & friends by offering face-to-face support, encouraging a positive visiting experience for all involved. Also, helping out as a Refreshment Support volunteer to assist in the delivery of a high quality catering provision within the visits complex. We also run a baby group that is facilitated on a weekly basis giving the men the opportunity to spend quality time with their children.
Areas of volunteering:
Refreshment Service Support: This role includes supervising the service delivery of hot/cold snacks with the cafe/ T-Bar facilities in the visits halls. The role also involves stock monitoring and ordering, handling cash, and in some cases supervision of trusted prisoners working in the cafes.
Visits Meet And Greet: Meet and greet service for families and significant others as they arrive for their visit with the provision of advice and guidance. Being a friendly face and providing a welcoming approach to put the families at ease.
Family days and children/baby groups: This role involves supporting the IW team to help arrange family days and activities for the children to be involved in. We are always looking for new ideas and innovative approaches to ensure we are providing the best possible service we can. There are also opportunities to be part of a team where we run baby fused groups and encourage dads to create and maintain that special bond.
Key Tasks:
To provide support for prisoners and their visitors during the domestic visit where requested
To assist with refreshments during family days and domestic visits
Weekend cover would be extremely helpful as these are our busiest times
To be understanding and caring in their approach, having an awareness of the environment and the sensitivity to situations which may occur within the environment
Provide a safe play environment and positive play opportunities for children, showing an understanding of children’s emotions as a result of visiting a loved one in a custodial setting
To take responsibility for play sessions
To stay calm in a busy environment and use your own initiative when circumstances arise, under guidance of I.W family support team
To have a comprehensive understanding of the importance of confidentiality and GDPR
To attend all compulsory training
To familiarise oneself with relevant information and policies in place, and to adhere to such rules and regulations.
Skills required:
Good listening and communication skills.
An ability to be non-judgmental.
An ability to work as part of a team.
Sensitive and empathic nature.
Commitment to helping develop a new initiative.
Time commitment: Time commitment is negotiable with the organisation.
Training: Full training is provided.
Expenses reimbursed: Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed.
Selection procedure: Informal discussion, application form completion, 2 references, prison clearance and a disclosure and barring check (cost met by organisation).
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact us using the form below.