Volunteering FAQ and Application Process
Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about volunteering. If you can't find the answer you are looking for please contact us.
How can I volunteer?
There are many ways in which you can volunteer with Prison Fellowship. We have prayer groups supporting most prisons in England and Wales which you can become a member of. Most prayer groups meet once a month to pray for their local prison.
Other ways to volunteer include:
- Run a Sycamore Tree course in prison
- Co-ordinate or help with our Angel Tree programme
- Join our Letter Writing scheme
- Get stories into your local media
- Speak in churches about the work of Prison Fellowship
How can I apply?
As we have been experiencing problems with our on line application we have provided links to an application form that can be downloaded as a temporary measure. Please click on application form to download this form and print once, then click on references to download and print twice.
To volunteer for any of our programs you will need to fill out an APPLICATION FORM and get two REFERENCES (please print two copies of the reference form and give these to each referee to complete and hand back to you) One of our regional staff will then contact you and help you get involved.
What if I don’t have much time?
You can still get involved. How about giving financially to our work or signing up to receive regular prayer updates?
Who can volunteer?
Anyone who shares the vision of Prison Fellowship as a Christian charity can get involved in some way. We do ask volunteers to sign a statement of faith, but we are an organisation that welcomes diversity. We have opportunities for a wide range of ages, skills, availability and situation.
What will I get out of the volunteering experience?
Our volunteers all choose to put their faith into action, but for a variety of reasons.
- Many feel inspired by seeing the change God brings into the lives of prisoners
- For others they see volunteering as their chance to use their skills and experience to give something back to the community
- Volunteering can also be a very social activity and a great way to meet new people
Why do I have to go through the application process?
We ask all our volunteers to fill out an application form and get 2 references before they can get involved in Prison Fellowship. We also ask for references to be renewed from time to time.
Our prayers groups and volunteer who work with prisoners will have to deal with confidential and sensitive information, and not everyone is suitable for this role.
These procedures are in place to protect our volunteers, and we appreciate their patience and cooperation with this.
Do I need to be CRB checked?
No - we will only ask volunteers who work spcifically with children, e.g. to deliver Angel Tree presents by hand, to be CRB checked. Instead we carry out our own application procedures and reference checks for all volunteers (see above).
Do I need any particular skills to volunteer?
For some roles there may be a particular skill or qualification required, for example our Sycamore Tutors need a teaching qualification. Training will be offered by Prison Fellowship for any role that needs it.
Will I receive training?
Volunteers will receive any training necessary for the particular role they are fulfilling. Check out the regional events pages for details of training days coming up.
What will it cost me to volunteer?
Nothing! All it will cost you is your time. We do not expect our volunteers to be out of pocket, and expenses will be reimbursed.