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DRINK & DRUGS NEWS :: Q&AYou ask the questions - you answer the questions. Please keep your answers coming, and feel free to email a new question. Thanks to this issue's respondents for their contributions. Question:I am nearing the end of a mandatory life sentence, having spent
the best part of 18 years in and out of detention centres, borstals,
prisons and institutions. During my time in prison I have learned
to read and write and educated myself to GCSE level. I completed
every course the education department had to offer and have over
50 certificates. I am about to do a diploma course on counselling
children and adolescents, after which I would like to do some voluntary
work. I really want to put something back into the community: please
can anyone point me in the direction of any contacts, a company
or organisation that might be willing to give me some voluntary
work? [Terry, Parkhurst Prison] Your replies...Hi Terry Provided that you will be living in London on your release, you sound like a good candidate for Addaction's Next Project or SMART scheme. The Next project is for ex drug or alcohol users who are looking to work in the substance misuse or social care field. We provide two days training a week for 12 weeks and after six weeks we can provide an administrative placement at a treatment organisation for one day a week. The SMART scheme runs in partnership with Rugby House and is for anyone - ex substance misuser or not. Participants work towards a Health and Social Care qualification, which includes four units from the Drug and Alcohol Occupational Standards. From here you will be ideally placed to apply for jobs within the substance misuse field or alternatively, you may decide to transfer your skills to related fields such as housing or mental health. Depending on which is most suitable for you, you can get further details and an application form from our website at www.addaction.org.uk Good luck - the opportunities for you are out there. Francis Sikes, Addaction
Dear Terry The best place to go if you want to volunteer is your local volunteer bureau. They will know about all sorts of opportunities in the local area, and they can talk to you about what you want to do and put you in touch with the right people. When you are out of prison, you can find out where your local volunteer bureau is by ringing Volunteering England on 0845 305 6979. If you want to volunteer with children and young people, the organisations will want to know about your conviction and your time in prison, as they have to make sure that you are suitable to work with children. Some organisations may have serious concerns about your record because you have served a life sentence, and they would need to be reassured that you are not a risk to young people. With this in mind, it might be a good idea to consider alternative options as well, such as working with adults. It is great that you want to put something back into the community but it would be best to consider all options. At the Resettlement Plus Helpline, we have some advice guides on how to disclose your criminal record when applying for volunteering opportunities. If you would like a copy, or want to ask any other questions about employment and volunteering, you can ring us on 0800 0181 259, or write to us at Nacro, 169 Clapham Road, London, SW9 0PU. Ruth Parker, manager, Resettlement Plus Helpline
Dear Terry I noted your request for advice on voluntary work following release from a mandatory Life Sentence. It is clear from your description that you have used your time well, and taken advantage of the many training and learning opportunities available during your lengthy time in prison. There are clearly some limited opportunities for voluntary work whilst still serving (depending on each prison) such as Listener and Insider schemes, and opportunities for Restorative Justice in some establishments. In terms of planning for release, and post-release voluntary work, anything planned should be done alongside the supervising lifer/probation officer, who can review realistic options in the planned/intended home area. Although undertaking 'references' can be problematic (in terms of disclosure/ confidentiality) the supervising case-manager (probation officer) may be in a position to plan and maintain oversight of any voluntary placement, and offer advice on what is appropriate, and in keeping with the Sentence Plan. Peter Mate, Area Offender Risk Manager, Yorkshire and Humberside Area Office
Dear Terry I am delighted to hear that you are interested in doing voluntary work. Organisations may vary hugely in their response to your criminal record, but there has been a campaign organised by Volunteering England to promote opportunities for ex offenders. As your sentence was over five years, you will always be obliged to disclose your record (under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974), however this won't be a barrier to all voluntary roles. The chances of working with vulnerable people will depend upon the nature of your crime, not the length of sentence. Voluntary organisations will conduct individual interviews, where they will ask about your criminal record. The main point to bear in mind is your skills and experience that you can offer. It often takes time to find the best volunteer opportunity and there are organisations that are keen to offer volunteering as part of the resettlement process, and a way to contribute to the community. To find your nearest volunteer centre, contact Volunteering England - their website is www.volunteering.org.uk. You can also contact the NACRO resettlement Plus helpline. Good Luck with your volunteering! Elizabeth Eves, Volunteer Coordinator, Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust (RAPt)
Dear Terry While I am based in Cork, Ireland, I am aware of NACRO's adult peer mentoring project for those who are or have recently been incarcerated. I am currently trying to design a quality training and preparation program for those who have experience of incarceration and who wish to use this experience to positively assist others towards and into society. Visit www.youreequal.com for information. Larry O'Reilly, You're Equal Ltd
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