Text Only Site Web Version Text size: A A A

Volunteer Opportunities

Yorkshire and Humberside Circles of Support and Accountability

Yorkshire and Humberside Circles of Support and Accountability are looking for volunteers from all walks of life and various backgrounds.  Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

The primary aim of Circles of Support and Accountability is to prevent further sexual abuse, working with the objective of 'no more victims'.  This is done by:

• Helping a sexual offender to reintegrate responsibly into the community
  
• Acting as a support and safety mechanism for both the sexual offender and the community
• Enhancing public safety when there is a perceived element of risk.

The concept of Circles of Support and Accountability is a simple one.  Between four and six volunteers recruited from the local community form a 'Circle' around a sexual offender.  The 'Circle' will be a support network for the offender, who will be known as the 'Core member', while holding them accountable for their actions and on-going risk management.

Whilst helping the core member back into the community, volunteers will also assist them in recognising patterns of thought and behaviour that could lead them into reoffending.

The Circle will have regular group meetings and volunteers will also be expected to have paired contact with the Core Member. Volunteers will be able to claim for all reasonable expenses incurred.

Volunteers will be required to attend a training programme that will equip them to support the Core Member, as well as enabling them to be able to recognise and respond to inappropriate behaviour in a safe and constructive manner.

Applicants will be subject to a CRB check and two references will be required.

If you are interested in applying then please contact the Volunteer Coordinator:

Amii Hough
Volunteer Coordinator

Tel: 01904 630911
Email Amii.Hough@yhcosa.org.uk