The Prisoners’ Families Helpline provides support to loved ones of those affected by the Criminal Justice System across England and Wales.
Purpose of this role
To provide information and guidance to family members, friends, prisoners and professionals by responding to incoming telephone calls. You will respond to queries by providing direct information, signposting to other relevant organisations and making referrals to Pact colleagues. Below are a few examples of calls received on the helpline:
- Trying to find out which prison someone has been sent to
- Concerns regarding the wellbeing of a prisoner
- How to keep in contact with someone in prison
- How to send money to someone in prison
- What to do after someone has been arrested
- What support is available to someone after release from prison
Location
This is a remote role from home, so you will need to have access to a laptop/computer, a smart phone and an internet connection. A quiet working environment is also required.
Time commitment
They expect volunteers to commit to working a minimum of one shift per week, for a period of at least 6 months.
The helpline is open 7 days a week, 9am-8pm Monday-Friday and 10am-3pm on weekends. The helpline is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The shifts we have available are as follows:
Monday – Friday: 9am-1pm,1pm-5pm or 5pm-8pm
Weekends: 10am-3pm
(If you wish to work multiple shifts, please let them know)
Training
You will be required to undertake Safeguarding, Professional Boundaries, Equality & Diversity and Data Security training online, as well as attending role-specific Helpline training via Zoom. You will also have access to various other training modules on eLearning platform Pact Academy.
To apply, see here