Volunteering

Volunteer Link Workers

Release from prison is a disorientating and daunting experience for many ex-offenders, who are often unsure of the direction they want to take in life and do not know who will be there to meet them… if anyone!

West Yorkshire Community Chaplaincy Project (WYCCP) is an independent charity which aims to reduce re-offending by supporting men leaving HM Prison Leeds with their re-settlement into West Yorkshire.  WYCCP volunteers, known as 'Link Workers' work directly with the ex-prisoners and are not attached to the prison or necessarily to any faith groups.  We use the term ‘Service Users’ to describe those with whom we work.

WYCCP work closely with statutory, voluntary and faith organisations, to help our service users overcome the factors that lead to their offending, and support them to establish themselves in their local community.

WYCCP volunteer link workers meet service users at the gate and support them in the first few hours of their new life.  A link worker may accompany the service user to access accommodation or Probation or welfare benefits.  Link workers can assist with housing applications, family matters and help service users to work towards education or employment.  WYCCP have a volunteer coordinator and an resettlemtent worker to ensure ongoing training and support for link workers.

We welcome WYCCP link workers from all walks of life; what they have in common is the desire to help people.  They offer support, understanding, knowledge and a non judgmental approach.  They are good listeners and they are trained to empower individuals in order to aid their resettlement into the community.

For information regarding becoming a WYCCP link worker please read our "Link Worker Role" page.

Further information or advice can also be obtained by calling 0113 3874580; writing to WYCCP c/o HMP Leeds, Gloucester Terrace, Leeds LS12 2TJ, or emailing us at: info@wyccp.org.uk

Please note the next recruitment and training for new volunteers will be taking place Autumn 2013.