Volunteering at WYCCP

Volunteers are vital to our organisation. We rely on our volunteer ‘link workers’ to help us to deliver services and provide support to men leaving prison and their families.

What do volunteers do?

WYCCP link workers provide practical, emotional and moral support to men in prison and post-release and to the families of men inside HMP Leeds. This can include creating action plans, attending appointments, and helping with a range of issues including accommodation, health, drug and alcohol misuse, and finance.

WYCCP volunteer link worker assessing the needs of a service user.

WYCCP volunteer link worker assessing the needs of a service user.

“Having the opportunity to support somebody through a difficult time and help make real, positive changes to their life is both satisfying and rewarding. ”
— Volunteer link worker
 
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Download our application pack by clicking the button above.

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Who can be a WYCCP volunteer?

You can! We recruit link workers from all walks of life; what they have in common is the desire to help people, a non- judgemental approach, reliability, a willingness to be trained and with some time to give each week.

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“I have loved being a link worker at WYCCP; I have gained just as much (if not more) as I have given. ”
— Volunteer Link Worker
 
“The office environment couldn’t be more supportive, best place I’ve worked so far! You would go into the office on your first day as a new volunteer and come out feeling like you had new friends! ”
— Volunteer Link Worker

Full training and support

WYCCP offer comprehensive training and support to our volunteer link workers. This includes a three day induction training programme, shadowing with our resettlement team and further regular training opportunities.

“The training opportunities I was given allowed me to confidently begin developing the skills I needed to become a successful link worker. The team was supportive and friendly, so I fitted in quickly. ”
— Volunteer Link Worker
Thank you card from a volunteer link worker

Thank you card from a volunteer link worker

 

Link Worker Role  

We are looking for committed people who are emotionally mature, empathic and able to maintain firm boundaries. We ask our volunteers to offer a minimum of 3 hours a week to their volunteering at WYCCP.  Reliability and adaptability are essential for the role.

Role Description

  • To support men leaving prison and their families prior to release and in the community, working towards an agreed ‘action plan’, with support from staff.

  • To meet service users in the community and , where necessary, accompany them to appointments with relevant agencies and networks.

  • To keep clear and comprehensive records and case notes.

  • To complete ‘follow up’ and administrative tasks.

  • To commit a minimum of three hours per week to volunteering at WYCCP.

Person Specification

  • Be at least 18 years old and of sufficient emotional maturity to take on a supportive role.

  • Be committed to the principles of diversity and equality.

  • Be reliable, well organised and resourceful.

  • Be able to work in a flexible, non-judgemental and person centred way.

  • Have good interpersonal, listening and communication skills.

  • Be able to work in partnership with staff, link workers and other agencies.

  • Have good IT skills.

  • Be committed to the aims and values of WYCCP, including our multi-faith ethos.

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“l have gained invaluable experience during my time at WYCCP; this experience has helped me to secure full time employment in a similar field.”
— Volunteer link worker

 

 

How to apply

If you want to make a real difference to the life of an ex-prisoner or the family of a prisoner, then we want to hear from you.

You can download our application pack directly with this button:

Or email us by completing this form to request a pack:

Please email me a volunteer application pack

Or simply call us for a chat on:

0113 387 4580