What is Giving Time?
Giving Time is a project which supports trained mentors into volunteering following release from prison.
Durham Community Action is working as a partner on a research project with the University of York called AMICABLE – Addressing Mental Health In Custody: A Brief Learning Environment.
The project aims to examine the implementation of a Problem Support Mentor scheme (PSM) in prisons; to assess whether it can improve the quality of life, and symptoms of depression and reduce the risk of re-offending.
In County Durham, the Giving Time work is taking place in HMP Low Newton through a partnership arrangement between the Community Peer Mentors provided by the Office of Durham Police and Crime Commissioner which enables a Community Peer Mentor Team Leader to deliver the Giving Time work. Other prisons involved in the project are HMP Styal and HMP Lindholme.
Our Role
Durham Community Action is supporting Problem Support Mentor schemes at HMP Low Newton by helping them find volunteering roles after their release.
The team meets with mentors to find volunteering opportunities that suit their interests, skills and aspirations.
Most people who go to prison are there for non-violent offences. More than 99% of the current prison population will be released back into communities. These people will be our neighbours in the future and have untapped skills and potential.
People who have been involved in Giving Time have gone on to do a range of volunteering roles; this includes gardening, cooking for homeless people, helping at food banks, befriending, mentoring people with complex needs and helping in a charity shop...to name a few.
Durham Community Action can also support local organisations to widen their volunteering offer, unlock a new pool of volunteers and provide training, resources and support.
Recruiting volunteers with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System gives people opportunities to help others and give back to their communities, whilst gaining skills for employment, increasing confidence and fostering social inclusion.
Recruiting these volunteers will allow your organisation to benefit from a diverse volunteer base and gain the insights of people with lived experience and a wide range of skills. Giving Time can support you along the way.
If your organisation would like to discuss providing a volunteering opportunity for the project, please email volunteering@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk
Resources
Giving Time Toolkit - to assist with recruiting volunteers with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System.
