Northern Ireland: Leaving Prison Mentors
18th January 2010
The Prince’s Trust is now looking for former offenders (with experience of prison) to be positive role models for young adults in custody.
Leaving Prison Mentors is a project run by The Prince's Trust in Northern Ireland, which sees former offenders support young adults through their transition from prison to the community.
The idea for this project, which is now being piloted in Northern Ireland, came directly from young people who had experience of the criminal justice sector.
More about the role:
Supporters work as a team delivering a monthly motivational talk to a group of young adults in prison. Supporters share their life experience to inspire young offenders that they too can turn their life around and live successfully. Once matched, supporters visit their clients monthly in prison and write letters to them. Supporters meet their client at the gate (if required) on their release to ensure they reach their accommodation safely.
The primary role of a supporter is to inspire and motivate their client. The secondary role is to support their client to access appropriate services for their resettlement needs e.g. benefits, accommodation or health.
To be a supporter you must:
- have experience of being a prisoner
- be located in the Northern Ireland
- out of prison/criminal activity for the last 2 years
- clean from substance misuse for the last 2 years
- have the time to volunteer
- be a positive role model
Supporters receive intensive training with follow-up specialist support.
For more information or to discuss the role, please contact Rory Brown on (+44) 028 9075 8132 or email Rory.brown@princes-trust.org.uk
Read more:
- More details about Leaving Prison Mentors
- Read about one former offender's experience
- Watch the video
