Volunteer Appropriate Adult - supporting people in custody - Gloucester

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CCP’s Appropriate Adults scheme provides trained volunteers who act as Appropriate Adults to 10 - 18 year olds whose parents cannot, or will not, attend whilst their children are held in police custody. The scheme also supports adults with mental health or learning difficulties. The Appropriate Adults are often the first meaningful support these vulnerable people have when they find themselves in contact with the Criminal Justice System. The Appropriate Adults’ role is to ensure legal rights are observed, provide non-judgmental, moral support and monitor the welfare of the young person or vulnerable adult during police interview and whilst held in the cells. Volunteering times for this scheme are very flexible. Once you are trained, you will specify times that you are available to be included on the rota. When a request for an Appropriate Adult is received, the volunteer coordinator will contact the available volunteers to find who is free to attend.

Could you be a calming influence and offer the support needed to a young person or vulnerable adults in custody? Building and maintaining positive relationships is a key part of this role, be that with custody staff, the police, the detained person and their solicitor. You will position yourself within the custody process without intrusion but work quietly and effectively to secure the welfare of the young person, ensuring they understand the process and that it is fair. Good communication skills are essential. You would need to be confident dealing with authority, be supportive of the young person but remain neutral, dispassionate and objective. You will need to be flexible, patient and realistic with a sense of humour. You may experience challenging behaviour at times and need to be able to deal with this, knowing not to take it personally. You must be open-minded and remain non-judgemental at all times. If you are interested in helping young people who may not have the support they need at a key time in their lives, please get in touch.

Full training will be given but you must have the ability to establish an effective rapport with young people who may be withdrawn, obstructive or frightened in an environment or situation that causes them acute anxiety. You will need to remain calm and focussed at all times. To do this role, you need to be able to get to Waterwells in Quedgeley, Gloucester, GL2 2AN at an hour’s notice when you are on rota. Rotas are prepared in advance on a monthly basis. Volunteers from all age groups are welcomed, however the minimum age for this role is 18. Disabled access is available at the main custody centre so this role could be suitable for someone with mobility issues. Volunteer expenses are reimbursed.