Do you want to help make a difference to the lives of families affected by another’s imprisonment – this is a group of people often marginalised and severely impacted, practically, emotionally and financially by the actions of another. Want to learn new skills in the process? - you can by becoming a volunteer Board Member for the Croft HMP Barlinnie’s Visitors Centre.
What we are looking for
We are looking to recruit a number of Board members.
We welcome applicants from any background and experience but are particularly looking for people with the following skills –
What you get from being a Board Member
Background
In 2012 local churches and the community recognised that the families of prisoners in HMP Barlinnie had nowhere to go for help on what was happening to their loved one, how to go about arranging a visit, what information and support was available to their family and them.
The Croft Visitors Support and Advice Centre was established as a charity whereby volunteers and support workers met with families prior to and after their visits to get the support and information they needed on whatever issues they were facing. As time has gone on there is now a support service at every Scottish prison, core funded by Scottish Government. The Scottish Government recognised the importance of the centres and created the National Visitors Centre Framework for Scotland which we all follow, stating that -
The service they provide is accessible to all family members and visitors to the prison including those who do not go into the prison to visit their family member.
They achieve positive outcomes for prisoners’ families and friends and for prisoners themselves by fulfilling three core functions:
The Croft provide a wide range of support to visitors on an emotional, practical and informative level and are looking for volunteer Board Members to help govern the charity and shape its future whilst making a different to the lives of families affected by imprisonment and often punished for a crime they did not commit. We are looking to redesign our services and expand our provision so this is an ideal opportunity to help shape the future of the charity.
Simply send a letter stating which role/roles you are interested in and what skills and experience you would bring to that role along with a copy of your current CV (if you have one) to - the Chairwoman at Smithm0268@gmail.com.
If you wish to discuss the role further please email providing contact details and availability to request a call back.
This is an amazing opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of others and learn new skills, working as part of a small team of enthusiastic and caring people and help shape the future of the charity.
For more information of the Croft see:
2022.cjg-annualreport.co.uk/2022/09/30/putting-our-partners-in-the-picture-an-update-from-the-croft