Through the Gate and IAC (Intensive Alternative to Custody) mentoring schemes are exciting projects where volunteers can make a positive impact on the lives of offenders.
A partnership between CSV and West Yorkshire Probation Service, Through the Gate aims to reduce re-offending by training and supporting volunteers to mentor offenders returning to Bradford Metropolitan District from custodial establishments across Yorkshire and Humberside.
Intensive Alternative to Custody (IAC) is a demonstrator project being piloted in Bradford by West Yorkshire Probation Service. The IAC Order -is an innovative sentencing option which offers an alternative to a custodial sentence and involves the offender spending 2 hours each week with a Mentor.
Mentors, whether matched to an offender on Through the Gate or IAC, will spend a few hours a week offering practical support and positive encouragement to boost offenders’ self-esteem. Activities might include assisting offenders with appointments and interviews, helping them access housing, employment or training, improving access to community activities and encouraging pro-social behaviour within their local community, whilst developing positive alternatives to criminal activity.
We're looking for volunteers to make a difference
Through the Gate and IAC aim to break the cycle of re-offending by recruiting energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to help offenders in the community, meaning that you can make a difference.
Mentors make a big difference. By volunteering you will be helping to improve prospects for ex offenders and reduce re-offending, cutting levels of crime and making our communities safer places in which to live and work. You will be offering support to people who are facing particular difficulties and challenges in their life. Mentors often build rewarding relationships based on trust and mutual respect and both parties can gain enormously from the experience.
How to be a volunteer mentor
Being a volunteer mentor is a challenge and can be frustrating at times, but with commitment and enthusiasm the rewards can be immense!
You need to be at least 18 and able to commit to a minimum of two hours a week for at least four months, ideally longer. In particular we are looking for volunteers who feel they can use their life skills and experience whilst giving positive, focused, one-to-one support. You will be mature, open-minded and a great communicator – good at motivating and enthusing people who might lack self-esteem and confidence.
Training and support
Before getting started we take you through a comprehensive application, training and assessment process which includes completing a CRB disclosure. This can take longer than some volunteering programmes, but CSV wants to ensure its volunteers are fully equipped to face the challenge ahead and the wait is well worth it! Once you get started you have the backing of the UK’s largest volunteering and training organisation. We provide you with ongoing support and supervision so that any issues can be sorted out easily and quickly.
How to get involved
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or would like to find out more about the project we’d love to hear from you.
For more information call Karen Gardner, Through the Gate/IAC Project Coordinator on
01274 737266 or email kgardner@csv.org.uk.