Pact in Wales & South West England


Through The Gate Mentoring - North Wales

Through the Gate Mentor North Wales

 

About this service

Our Through the Gate Mentors meet with service users, prior to their release from prison, on the day of their release, and approximately two weeks after release.

 

Purpose of this role

 

We work alongside the prison and probation service supporting vulnerable adults on their release from custody. We support them with their immediate resettlement needs, which include attending their initial probation appointments, and assisting with benefits, housing, health and safety.

 

Time commitment & location

 

Location: North Wales

 

Hours of work: Mentoring opportunities take place Monday-Friday only, between 8am and 5pm. We are particularly in need of mentors who can be available on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

 

You will need to be willing to volunteer at least one full day a week, and will need access to a vehicle and computer.

 

Because of the training and induction requirements, and value of this role Pact hopes you will commit to volunteering with us for at least 6 months. 

 

What you will be doing

 

1. You will provide 1:1 mentoring support and help with immediate resettlement needs

 

2. Escorting service users to appointments in the community, linking them with appropriate support service

 

3. Providing practical and emotional support during the mentoring period

 

4. Dealing with safeguarding issues including poor health, substance misuse, domestic violence and homelessness

 

5. Writing reports detailing support needs and risks. Creating contact reports explaining what support has been given and what outcomes achieved

 

6. Driving service users in your own vehicle. This will need to be roadworthy and insured for business use.

 

The type of person we are looking for

 

Experience

Skills / Abilities

Attitudes

No experience necessary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organisation

 

Time management

  

To be able to type up clear and concise case notes

 

Confidence to communicate with potentially difficult service users

 

 

Non-judgemental attitude towards prisoners and their families

 

Empathy

 

Being friendly and approachable

 

Willingness to help others

 

Reliable

 

Hard working

 

What we offer

 

Training

2 days initial mentoring training which includes:

  • Introduction to the organisation
  • How to be an effective mentor
  • Safeguarding
  • Security and Information Handling
  • Professional Boundaries 
  •  

Ongoing training and shadowing opportunities will be given until you feel confident enough in the role to work independently.

Other specific training will be offered and you will have access to other training opportunities in the community.

 

Expenses

Travel costs, via public transport or private car (mileage) will be reimbursed including travel to attend training. Subsistence, i.e. lunch may also be reimbursed, according to our expenses policy. Mileage will be claimed at 45ppm for the firsts 10,000 miles and then 25ppm for the rest of the financial year.

                       

Checks

This role is subject to:

  • 2 references
  • DBS check (Disclosure & Barring Service)

  • Security Vetting by Her Majesty’s Prison Service.

    Please be aware that these necessary checks can take a number of weeks to process.

     

Support and Supervision

We will provide a full induction and regular supervision to support you in the role.

 

Benefits to you 

  • Developing communication skills and confidence
  • You’ll be helping Pact Futures aim in reducing re-offending
  • Gain valuable hands on experience
  • CV building
  • Working as part of a team
  • Networking with a range of services.