What can a Volunteer expect to do?

You will not be required to undertake or replace the work of probation staff and will not be expected to perform tasks for which professional training is required, such as risk assessment and report writing. Instead, you can take part in supporting and enhancing a wide range of tasks, which will serve to support offenders to address their problems and to encourage their links with the local community. Sometimes you will be required to support the offender with a one-off problem-solving task, but on other occasions you may be need to provide longer term support to resolve more complicated problems or to achieve a long term goal.

Volunteer’s Feedback

“I have been a volunteer mentor for Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust for almost two years. Within this time I have supported a number of offenders, some with very complex needs relating to drug use and mental health and others just needing a helping hand to reintegrate back into their community.

“The good thing about volunteering is that no one day is the same. You never know where your day will take you. 

“Sometimes it’s the simple things that can make a world of difference to an offender, whether that be making a phone call for them or attending appointments with them. It’s very rewarding seeing them smile or a receiving a small ‘thank-you’ from somebody you have helped. I feel very proud to volunteer for Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust and feel privileged to be in a position to help someone to take a step in the right direction.”

Offender’s Feedback

“My mentor supports me to attend my bereavement counselling which really helps me to move forward in my life. She also teaches me how to sort out my money and helps me to write meal planners, so that I can manage to buy food and make good meals for my daughter. My mentor is also there if I need someone to talk to about my problems and her help really does make a difference to my life.”