I’m currently studying an MSc in Forensic Psychology and also employed by Middlesbrough Council as Portfolio Lead for Future for Families Edge of Care Services. I also volunteer at Middlesbrough and Stockton MIND and this experience supports a lot of learning I have done so far in the forensics field. I chose to volunteer with this organisation because it supports people who struggle with their mental health; they also provide an excellent service to our local police force in supporting vulnerable people in custody. My volunteer role usually starts with a phone call requiring the service as they have a detainee in custody who requires an appropriate adult for their interview due to some vulnerabilities they may have. I would enquire some information prior to attending the station so I can mentally prepare on how best to support the individual. Difficulties may range from someone suffering with anxiety and depression, ADHD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder, Learning difficulties to experiencing psychosis or having substance misuse problems. All of these conditions can impact on how well they can cope in custody and being interviewed. They may require emotional support and some may need more assistance in facilitating communication between them and the interviewing officer. In my experience I have been part of cases of theft, burglary, criminal damage, domestic and sexual violence and murder. I was also required to attend court where my services were required.Once I enter the custody I am required to sign in at the PACE Act office where I can get further information about the case. We are always welcomed and thanked for the job we do. Following this I am usually introduced to the detainee and stay present whilst their rights are read out to make sure they understand. We then head to the interviewing room where questioning takes place. Following this I often stay present for fingerprinting and photo taking. I may then be present for the charge of the offence. My volunteering experience has been invaluable and exciting learning experience, one that cannot be gained without actually doing it. It’s one thing reading and researching in the academic environment but it’s a totally different thing experiencing situations in a real life alongside our hard working police and criminal justice. I now better understand the processes involved for those who have been arrested and ended up in custody. I also learnt the challenges police officers face on a daily basis when dealing with detainees. I am more familiar with everyone’s roles, different teams within the police and how the custody functions. I have learnt certain discipline required whilst in custody. I am continuously developing my compassion even in the most rejecting and distressing circumstances. I continue to develop my interpersonal skills and confidence, especially when communicating to some high rank officers.The thing I enjoy most is meeting new people, networking and hearing their experiences as every shift is different. To walk away knowing you’ve made a difference and helped less fortunate is the best feeling for me.For those thinking of volunteering I would say let your passion take you away, you have got to love what you do. As I am already in a job I love, helping families and children to stay away from criminality, I will continue to give my time to our local police force. I will hopefully graduate this year with my Masters in Forensic Psychology and continue to look for new exciting challenges ahead.In addition to Volun-tees, I’ve accessed support from Student Futures with a telephone interview with one of the Careers Advisers who sent me some useful links for my future development. There’s so much help and support out there and so many exciting opportunities for everyone!Through Volunteering I have developed so many skills - assertiveness, confidence, compassion, being able to adapt my communication and personal resilience.I would absolutely recommend Volun-tees to other students - your life can be so much more interesting just by giving a little bit of your time. So worth exploring.