All of our volunteers are given specialised training to provide them with the tools required for the volunteer role. The includes an induction workshop which provides an overview of the project, scenarios, and the practicalities of a shift in the Visitors' Centre. Volunteers will undertake key training such as adult and child protection. Volunteers are also required to undertake training provided by the Scottish Prison Service covering security issues, conditioning and manipulation, and fire safety. 

If you would like to speak to a member of staff about your volunteer application, please contact us: 

Email: fvinclusion@outlook.com

Phone: 01259 760471 Ext 357385 (HMP Glenochil).

Phone: 01786 832591 Ext 274007 (HMP YOI Stirling).

PLEASE NOTE:

We are not accepting applications for student placements for the academic year 2024/2025.

Visitors Centre Volunteer Role Profile

HMP/YOI Stirling and HMP Glenochil

Role purpose

• To work in conjunction with the Forth Valley Inclusion, prison staff, volunteers and partnership agencies to provide services to prison visitors.

• To provide a welcoming first point of contact in the Visitors Centre.

• Help maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment.

• Provide light refreshments to visitors

• Help make the visiting experience positive for both adults and children

• Support play activities where appropriate

Specific duties

• To support general housekeeping duties as required, in order to, facilitate the smooth running of the Visitors Centre for the benefit of adults and children alike.

• To engage with visitors in a friendly and welcoming manner in order to provide a high standard of first point of contact.

• To become familiar with the range of supportive literature available within the Visitors Centre in order to signpost visitors appropriately.  Where further support or information is required (e.g. due to out of date, discontinued, missing information) to make a note and report to the Visitors Centre Manager.

• Provide information, advice and emotional/practical support to families through the Visitors Centre. Link families to the support and services that are available in their own communities.

• To work in conjunction with the Visitors Centre Staff and prison staff with regards to reporting any issues or concerns arising.

• Complete handover book at the end of each session including completion of data collection in line with set procedure.

• To undertake training and attend meetings as required in order to full- fill the role.

• Select appropriate resources/toys and encourage participation in play activities for children using the centre

• Act as a positive role model for children and parents modelling good interaction and positive relationships

• To serve teas and coffees

• To maintain clean environments, ensuring space is clean and fit for purpose while abiding to health and safety regulations

Hours per week

Variable, please ask staff

Essential skills required

• Good communication skills.

• Non judgmental and empathetic approach to people.

• Confidence working with parents and their children.

• An ability to work well as part of a team.

• Commitment to safeguard children/vulnerable adults

Desirable skills required

• An awareness of the procedures associated with prison visits and the impact they may have on visitors.

• An understanding of how a good prison visit can strengthen family ties and reduce reoffending.

• Health and safety awareness.

• An awareness of the importance of prison security procedures.

WHERE:

• Visitors Centre, HMP/YOI Stirling, FK9 5NU

  • Phone: 01786 832591 Ext. 274007

• Visitors Centre, HMP Glenochil, Alloa. FK10 3AD

  • Phone: 01259 760471 Ext. 357385

WHAT:

The Forth Valley Inclusion project aims to support families of offenders serving sentences in HMP/YOI Stirling and HMP Glenochil. This will provide families with a warm welcome, refreshments, advice, and support during a stressful time.

WHO:

We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who would like the opportunity to support visitors at HMP/YOI Stirling and HMP Glenochil

In return for volunteering we offer you training; ongoing support; new skills and experience, an opportunity to make a difference; an opportunity to meet like minded people, CV enhancement, work experience.

 All volunteers will be subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check.