Volunteer opportunities for peer mentors at HMP Belmarsh

2013-02-06 News

A peer mentor programme at HMP Belmarsh is raising hopes for a better life outside prison. 

In addition to volunteering within the prison, peer mentors who complete the Pathways to Recovery Peer Mentor programme can now volunteer with CRI on community placements on release. These placements offer valuable work experience and a first step towards a career in social care.

Two former prisoners who completed the peer mentor training are currently doing voluntary placements at a CRI project in South London, demonstrating the success of the scheme.

Nine peer mentors are volunteering in the prison and a further ten are in training and will graduate in February. In all, 30 peer mentors have been trained since the scheme started, with a 100% completion rate.

One trainee explained his interest in the programme: “I have had serious drug problems in the past and I’ve managed to turn my life around and quit drugs for myself and for my kids. I will be good in the role because I understand what it’s like to be an addict – and I love to help others.”

Governor Jenny Louis, HMP Belmarsh, said: "The most enjoyable aspect of my job is seeing offenders engaging in reducing their risk of reoffending. In particular, I've been struck by the enthusiasm and energy of the Pathways to Recovery Peer Mentors; it really does make a difference, as it does change lives."

The CRI Pathways peer mentor programme at HMP Belmarsh recently received an award for ‘most outstanding contribution to volunteer/peer-led services’ at the CRI London staff conference.

CRI Chief Executive David Royce subsequently visited the peer mentors in HMP Belmarsh to congratulate them on the award and present them with individual certificates of achievement in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

Lucy Hunton, who leads the CRI peer mentor training programme at HMP Belmarsh, said: “The prospect of voluntary placements outside the prison has given hope to our peer mentors that they can build a better life on the outside. Winning an award for this scheme also meant a great deal to the participants and has encouraged them to work even harder to achieve their goals.”

Peer mentors who take up a volunteer placement in the community are supported to make the transition from release to the community by a CRI worker.

Ali Levy