I am currently Volunteering with Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind as an Appropriate Adult

I chose to volunteer with them as I support the values of the charity and have a strong passion for helping people so it seemed like a great fit. This role will also provide me with some work experience in both a forensic and mental health setting which will help with my career progression.

When on shift I am on call to go to the police station in Middlesbrough whenever I am needed to support a vulnerable person. When I receive a call to support someone a monitoring form is filled out to gain as much information as possible to best support the person then a time is agreed to go to the station. Upon arrival I will check in with the staff and meet the officer who called me who will brief me on the case. Then I will support the service user in any way that is needed which can be anything from having their rights read, to being interviewed, to being charged. Each shift is different and can vary in how many vulnerable people need supporting.

I learned that although life can get busy but there is always time to help people, you just have to find the time. The pandemic has had a massive impact on people’s mental health and still continues to impact it - this is why roles like that of an Appropriate Adult are crucial in these times. Finally it has solidified the fact that I would like to pursue a career in mental health in a criminal justice setting.

I enjoy the variety in the role, no two shifts are the same. Being able to work with different areas of policing staff and experience different things keeps the role very interesting.

If I was to give advice to other students I would say ‘Make the move and do it’! At first I questioned if I should apply, if I would be good at it and if I could make a difference. The answer is yes! Take that step and you won’t regret it.  Volunteering can only be a positive thing for everyone!

I would like to pursue a career in forensic psychology, so alongside my qualifications getting relevant experience like this is crucial.

I have had many appointments with the careers advisors for support with building a CV, applying for jobs and placements as well as planning the direction of my future in terms of qualifications and opportunities. They have always been very helpful and friendly and taken the time to help me get to where I want to be.

I think I have developed my skills in active listening and communication through having to listen to the service users and custody staff. Being able to communicate well and actively listen during interviews and other procedures is highly beneficial. I also think I have increased my empathy since volunteering. Society places so many stereotypes and stigmas on individuals in the criminal justice system.  Since volunteering and seeing it first hand I have learned to be more empathetic towards individuals.  So many people have had difficulties leading up to the moment they meet me so it is important not to judge.  Everyone deserves support and equal treatment in the criminal justice system.

I would really recommend Volun-tees as the skills and experience I have gained from using volun-tees will help not only in my career but in my personal life too. I cannot recommend the scheme enough!

If you would like to find out more about the role with Middlesbrough and Stockton MIND click on the link  https://www.voluntees.co.uk/opportunity/23732