Volunteer Mentor

About the opportunity

We are looking forfriendly, empathic and committed volunteers to mentor Hibiscus’s clients – foreign national women affected by the criminal justice and immigration systems. Mentors provide emotional support through listening, talking and giving some extra encouragement. They can also help with some practical problems such as finding educational courses, writing CVs and language support. Through our mentoring programme we aim to work towards agreed goals, foster self-confidence and reduce social isolation.

About Hibiscus Initiatives

Hibiscus Initiatives, established in 1986, is a voluntary sector organisation with a track record of delivering high quality services over nearly 30 years. We have developed a widely acknowledged specialist expertise in working with marginalised Black and Minority Ethnic Foreign National and migrant offenders and detainees in custody, detention and the community. Our person-centred approach is a model that engages and works with clients to support and empower them in dealing with what are often multiple and complex needs and, importantly, addresses the additional disadvantage that language and cultural barriers present.

Key tasks

  • Be available to visit/meet your mentee once a month for 6 months (this can be one-to-one meetings with clients in person, over the phone or in writing)
  • Build a sensitive and supportive relationship with the client
  • Spend time with the client agreeing goals and engaging with activities that are mutually agreed upon
  • Respect the confidentiality of clients at all times
  • Establish and maintain appropriate boundaries
  • Respect different cultural values and work in a non-discriminatory manner
  • Meet regularly for supervision with Volunteer Coordinator
  • Submit reports after visits to the Volunteer Coordinator
  • Inform the Volunteer Coordinator of any concerns about the client

What are we looking for?

Volunteer mentors should have the following key skills and attributes:

  • Ability to commit to the project for 6 months after training
  • A non-judgemental, empathic, good listener
  • Commitment to supporting foreign national women affected by the CJS/immigration rules
  • Ability to listen and communicate with clients, other volunteers, staff and other agencies
  • To be reliable and keep all commitments and appointments with the client
  • Ability to maintain client’s confidentiality
  • Awareness and understanding of the key issues facing the client

Additional desirable skills/attributes:

  • Working knowledge of another language (especially Eastern European, Chinese, Vietnamese)
  • Some experience/knowledge of the criminal justice system in England and Wales

Benefits for you

  • Opportunities to learn new skills for personal and career development
  • Opportunities to give back to the community
  • Two training sessions which cover Hibiscus, volunteering, our clients and the criminal justice system
  • Supportive supervision and working environment
  • Travel expenses reimbursed
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Rewarding work experience
  • A reference

Practical Considerations

  • * This post is restricted to women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9 paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010
  • You must attend Hibiscus’s compulsory training on mentoring and befriending
  • Travel expenses paid
  • Role involves potential travelling to prisons in Surrey
  • Volunteers must be over 18
  • May require a criminal record (DBS) check

To apply

Emailour Volunteer Coordinator to request an application form

Address

Hibiscus Women’s Centre
Resource for London
356 Holloway Road
London
N7 6PA