Are you seeking an opportunity where you can make a difference to the lives of others?
Do you want to gain new skills, share your existing ones and meet new people through volunteering?
Volunteering expands your skills and experience, increases your employability and is a way to stay active and engaged with the community. It's also a way for you to give back to the community and help people who need a hand.
The Australian Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian organisation and aims to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in Australia and across our region. This humanitarian aid and community services charity builds a better society by enabling people to help people.
About the program
The Australian Red Cross Justice Volunteering Mentoring Service offers an external leave pathway to assist a person's reintegration through a pro-social support model. This opportunity has been a pilot program for over 3 years, has been funded by the NSW Department of Justice, and works with two gaols in Western Sydney.
Specifically, this Service links people in custody with volunteer mentors who can assist them with building community networks, developing pro-social skills, and supporting the achievement of self-determined goals. Volunteers will take participants on monthly excursions outside the prison as part of their Sponsored Leave to help them practice being in the community. Over the final year of the mentee's sentence, the volunteer will develop a positive, interpersonal relationship with them to create a powerful foundation for change.
Job Location: Blacktown, Sydney and surrounds
Availability: Evenings, Mornings
Time involved:
12 month commitment
1-4 hours per week/1-8 hours per fortnight
Mostly weekdays; although, days and times are flexible.
Eligibility requirements:
Must be over 18 years of age
The aim of this Volunteer Mentor role is to:
Provide valuable support to adult men and women who are preparing for their release from prison
Assist them to complete activities which target their goals
Enable these individuals to reconnect with the community and pursue positive lifestyles that minimise future risk of re-offending.
You may be involved in taking these men and women to appointments, teaching them living skills, or introducing them to services, as well as social activities such as sharing a meal or spending time outdoors.
How to apply
To refer a friend or apply for this unique role click on the following link: Volunteer Work Opportunities & Community Service | Australian Red Cross
The application process:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Note: Please provide a cover letter to include why you are interested in the program and upload a recent copy of your CV to submit for this application.
Applications close on Wednesday 30th June 2021 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Contact Australian Red Cross
For more information, please see the volunteer role description VRD Community Justice Mentor - Blacktown.pdf and flyer Youth Justice Mentor Flyer.pdf or contact Rachel Stanic on 0414 603 573.