25 September 2007
Helping vulnerable people in police custody
Solent MIND Appropriate Adult Scheme (AAS) is currently offering volunteering opportunities across East Hampshire.
The project offers a unique opportunity and the Volunteer Centre East Hampshire is delighted to be working in partnership with Solent Mind to promote it. The Appropriate Adult Scheme supports vulnerable adults, those with mental health problems and/or learning difficulties, who are involved in police investigations as suspects, victims or witnesses.
In particular the volunteer is there to ensure a detained person's rights and welfare are protected and to help communication between all parties involved.
Mind AAS co-ordinator Anthony Robinson says "Appropriate Adults have a uniquely privileged and responsible role. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity which volunteers only take on after full training."
The project will operate 363 days of the year and is looking for dynamic volunteers who are prepared to cover weekdays, responding to calls from Alton, Aldershot, Basingstoke and Waterlooville police custody suites. Volunteers will need their own transport and are paid expenses. On-going training, regular supervision and support group meetings ensure volunteers are well looked after.
No legal or mental health knowledge is required but good communication skills, responsibility and determination are essential. The work appeals to a wide range of people who are employed, unemployed or retired and is excellent experience for those planning to return to work or who are studying social work, the law or medicine.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Appropriate Adult Scheme please contact Anthony Robinson or Wendy Black at Solent Mind Appropriate Adult Scheme, tel. 023 8022 7510 or email aas@solentmind.org.uk