As a potential volunteer, you are a precious resource. You do not need to be a member of a faith group to make use of this booklet. Nor do you need to have any experience of volunteering. There are opportunities to suit those from all backgrounds, of all ages, and with all kinds of different skills.
If you have criminal convictions yourself, that need not rule you out; indeed your experience may be especially useful. Much will depend on the nature of the convictions, how long ago they were, and the nature of the work for which you are volunteering. For many of the opportunities suggested, you will need to obtain a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure.
You will probably find the work demanding. It will almost certainly challenge some of your pre-conceptions about victims of crime, young offenders, prisoners, prisoners' families, prisons, and the people who work within them. It may enable you to see beyond some of the needlessly destructive tabloid headlines, which offer all-too-easy solutions.
