RISE Co-pilot Project Volunteer Mentor Throughout Greater Lincolnshire Do you have a few hours a week to spare? Do you want to improve your skills and experience? Do you want to do something a bit different? If the answer is yes, why not become a volunteer for Lincolnshire Action Trust? A bit about Lincolnshire Action Trust… Lincolnshire Action Trust was established in 2000 and works with a variety of agencies within the criminal justice system to reduce re-offending, by working with people with convictions to address some of the issues and challenges which have resulted in their sentence. The charity offers a range of training opportunities and employment support to prepare people for their release. Additional key services are also offered to their families and dependants, both during their time in prison and following their release. What is RISE Co-pilot? LAT have recently received funding to pilot a new initiative in collaboration with Futures for Me to provide mentors to young women (ages 11 -18) who have involved, or at risk of being involved in criminal justice. The project aims to match the young women with a positive role model who can help by giving advice and guidance with the overall goal of reducing their likelihood of engagement with the criminal justice system. The volunteer mentor project matches volunteers with individuals in the criminal justice system or at risk of entering it to provide them with encouragement, support, and confidence to develop themselves and access new opportunities, ultimately aiming to reduce offending and reoffending. Mentoring matches work together to identify goals and participate in activities that progress the mentee towards achieving them. This could include working towards education, employment, volunteering, gaining new skills, emotional wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem, and much more. What would you do as a volunteer? Volunteers in this role will act as a mentor to an individual over a period of time, working one-to-one with them in the community. They will provide regular feedback of any activities undertaken, adhering to LAT’s safeguarding procedures. Mentoring operates across multiple projects within LAT. Due to the nature of the project, volunteers for this project must be female and over 18. The above role is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1. You will do this by; Working closely with a young woman and their Future’s 4 Me worker to achieve their desired goals Meeting regularly to undertake various activities with the individual Providing verbal and written feedback of activities Communicating information effectively to aid multi-agency working and reporting Respecting confidentiality and acting professionally at all times Providing emotional and practical support Adhering to professional boundaries Examples of mentoring activities: Attending educational open days and events Respite opportunities and leisure activities Encourage them to create positive coping strategies, for example hobbies and sports Help with application forms and other written tasks Encourage the individual to engage with prosocial activities and groups Act as an impartial person to talk to regarding their problems and concerns Help engaging with professionals for support You will need to: Agree to an enhanced DBS with child barred list check and reference checks Undertake an induction and training programme Be available for a minimum of 2 sessions per month (ideally weekly if possible). Commit to a minimum of 6 to 9 months for a potential match with a client We would also like to think that you are passionate about our five core values and can demonstrate this: Achievement – Empowerment – Inspiration – Quality – Respect What we are looking for: Welcoming and friendly attitude Ability to work confidently as part of a team and independently Well organised and an attention to detail Punctual and reliable team member Active listening Patience and understanding What is in it for you? Exposure to the Criminal Justice System Extensive training and eLearning opportunities Regular supervision and support Factual references available upon request What other volunteers have to say… “If you’re thinking about volunteering, do it! It’s one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. It keeps me grounded and reminds me that none of us are alone. We all have struggles, and in these groups, everyone’s voice matters.” “Volunteering fits well around my other commitments. In fact, I look forward to it. The connections I’ve made and the sense of purpose I get from helping others have become a really valuable part of my life.” Still interested? Apply for the role below. If you need further support please email [email protected]