Peer Support within the Criminal Justice, Liaison and Diversion Service

We value our volunteers and seek to ensure their diverse roles are rewarding and

beneficial to all. Waythrough holds the Investors in Volunteers accreditation.

The role: Peer Support Volunteers provide 1:1 low level support to people moving

on from the Community Link element of the service, supporting them to engage in

community activities and social networks. Support them in attending

appointments and maintain their wellbeing.

Attend team training sessions (where relevant), team meetings and complete

mandatory annual Elearning.

Tasks may include:

· Regular support sessions (either in person or via phone)

· Offer emotional support and active listening.

· Support individuals to build confidence, independence and resilience.

· Recognise early signs of disengagement.

· Attend supervision (as well as team meetings)

· Always maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Boundaries of the role Volunteers will not –

· Provide clinical advice or mental health intervention

· Offer legal advice

· Manage Safeguarding concerns independently

· Work with high-risk cases without the volunteer coordinator’s oversight.

What Volunteers can expect from us:

Volunteering with Waythrough offers people a unique chance to have a

significant positive impact on people’s lives. We work both with and within diverse

communities across the UK and every day we see people making positive

changes to turn their lives around. We also offer:

• Regular supervision and support

• Induction and access to online and face to face training

• To learn and practice new skills within a teamwork setting

• To feel part of a team and the wider Waythrough organisation

• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey

• Opportunities to progress and experience other areas of Waythrough's work

Our values:

Our values underpin everything we do – from how we work together through to

how we design and deliver services. All our work to fulfil this vision is strengthened

by our values.

• Kindness - be generous, caring and understanding.

• Courage - be bold, trust, commit.

• Respect - everyone deserves dignity

What skills do I need?

Essential Criteria before applying – Must have lived experience of the criminal justice system (arrested and held in police custody, convictions/cautions)

Skills

we would like you to bring to the role:

• Good listening and communication skills

• Understanding of confidentiality

• Non-judgemental and empathetic towards people with lived experience

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies

and media guidelines

• engage in supervision

• complete relevant training

• Confident to contact people by email / phone

• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction

• Ability to keep a track of multiple tasks and report back on progress

• Good IT skills

• Good time keeping

• Attention to detail

• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website

• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough

Training: Prior to start date, a volunteer is required to attend the one-day induction workshop offered online or in person. Following start date, volunteers have access to our training platform, workday, and may be asked to complete several training modules applicable to their role within their first 3 months.

About North Tyneside Recovery Partnership (Way Through)

Liaison and Diversion identify and supports individuals within the criminal justice system who present with vulnerabilities including mental health needs, learning disabilities, substance misuse, social inclusion or isolation and complex life circumstances. Following intervention from community link worker some individuals benefit from ongoing, low-level, strengths-based support to maintain engagement and prevent disengagement from services. The volunteer role provides that extended 1-1 support.

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Not a specific number of hours every week. Depending upon match this could be 1 hour per week/fortnight or monthly either AM/PM per service user. (Initially there will be eLearning/induction training. There will also be periodic training as and when needed together with supervision/support sessions for the volunteers)

Where does this role take place?