What is Giving Time?

Giving Time is a project which supports trained mentors into volunteering following release from prison. CVS are working on a research project with the University of York called AMICABLE – Addressing Mental Health In Custody: A Brief Learning Environment.  The project aims to examine the implementation of a Problem Support Mentor scheme (PSM) in prisons; to assess whether it can improve quality of life, symptoms of depression and reduce risk of re-offending.

The work delivered by the Giving Time team is now being extended to three further prisons through the project. These prisons are HMP Styal, HMP Low Newton and HMP Lindholme. 

Our Role

CVS Cheshire East is supporting PSMs at HMP Styal by helping them find volunteering roles after their release. The team meets with mentors to find volunteering opportunities that suit their interests, skills and aspirations.

Most people who go to prison are there for non-violent offences. More than 99% of the current prison population will be released back into communities. These people will be our neighbours in the future, and have untapped skills and potential.

People who have been involved in Giving Time have gone on to do a range of volunteering roles; this includes gardening, cooking for homeless people, helping at food banks, befriending, mentoring people with complex needs and helping in a charity shop...to name a few.

CVS can also support local organisations to widen their volunteering offer, unlocking a new pool of volunteers and provide training, resources and support. Recruiting volunteers with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System gives people opportunities to help others and give back to their communities, whilst gaining skills for employment, increasing confidence and fostering social inclusion.

Recruiting these volunteers will allow your organisation to benefit from a diverse volunteer base and gain the insights of people with lived experience and a wide range of skills. Giving Time can support you along the way.

If your organisation would like to discuss providing a volunteering opportunity for the project, please contact Lucy Coates  - CVS Sector Development Officer (Projects & Innovation) on 01270 763100 or at lucy.coates@cvsce.org.uk

Please see attached a toolkit for recruiting volunteers with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System.