Voluntary Telephone Support Worker

Who are we

AFFECT (Action For Families Enduring Criminal Trauma) are a group of people who currently have, or have had, a family member in prison. Founded in 2001 we aim to help others like us by offering confidential and non-judgemental support, regardless of the length of sentence or type of offence. We do not discriminate and are supportive of those who choose to support their loved ones and those who choose not to support their loved ones. Please contact us if you think we may be able to help you. 

We offer 1:1 telephone support to people with loved ones in prison. Our support is free, confidential and non-judgemental. Clients are paired with one of our Telephone Support Workers who will contact them to offer their services. We offer up to one hour a week at a time which is convenient and mutually agreeable with the client and support worker. 

We also offer peer support via our online group gatherings. Here everyone who accesses our services has the chance to meet via Zoom to talk to other people going through similar experiences. These are optional but many people find them to be useful. 

The role

We are also looking for volunteer Telephone Support Workers, preferably with counselling experience, and/or knowledge of the criminal justice system, who can offer their time to help people with loved ones in prison. 

You will be allocated one client to begin with who you can speak to for up to one hour per week, then offered more clients If/when you feel ready. 

We offer supervision every six weeks where you will be able to ask for advice from fellow support workers and members of our board.

If you have not received a response within 10 working days of your application, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We appreciate your interest in the Charity.  

What skills do I need?

We are looking for people who are:

• Open-minded and non-judgemental
• Compassionate and empathetic
• Good listeners
• Able to make phone calls, use Zoom and access emails
• Experience of prisons or the Criminal Justice System is not essential but may be beneficial to you

Interests

• Mental Health
• Victims, Crime and Offenders

Activities

• Supporting People and Befriending

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