Would you volunteer to go to prison?We know that many prisoners never get visits or letters. We know too that most of us need someone to talk things over with - someone we can trust; someone who doesn't put labels on us; someone who talks straight, stays in touch and doesn't make promises they can't keep.The New Bridge has been providing prisoners with a Befriending Service for over 40 years. Long enough for us to have learnt how to provide the kind of contact they could find helpful at a difficult time in their lives. New Bridge Voluntary Associates come from all walks of life and from various ethnic and religious groups. The men and women who undertake this work have a common desire to help people. They offer patience, warmth, empathy, dependability and understanding. They are good listeners and are reasonably mature in their own outlook on life and are people who themselves have an ability to cope. Volunteers befriend people in prison by writing and receiving letters and visiting. Volunteers belong to a local group which is organised by their Regional Office, and which meets once a month for support. If you think you have got what it takes to become a befriending volunteer or Voluntary Associate (VA) - please contact your nearest Regional Office for more information and an application form. Please remember we are not looking for semi-skilled social workers! We are looking for sociable people who have learned something from their own experiences of life and are prepared to share this with others. |