- Volunteers should be fair-minded and non-judgemental
- RJ helps those who have suffered from crime to get justice,have their say, get answers to questions and plays an important role in topping re-offending
- Cases range from ‘neighbours at war’ to murder
- Taster session in Cheltenham for would-be volunteers
Are you a good listener, fair-minded and non-judgemental? If so, then a double award winning Gloucestershire organisation wants to hear from you.
Restorative Gloucestershire plays a key role in the justice system by bringing victims and offenders together through a process called restorative justice (RJ).
Now it is on the lookout for new volunteers and is laying-on a taster session at the Pavilion in Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham (13 September, 5-6pm).
Paul Mukasa, Facilitator Coordinator, said: “RJ not only helps those who have suffered from crimehave their say, it also plays an important role in stopping re-offending.
“We would like to hear from anyone who is interested in Restorative Justice and would like to apply to be trained to join us. It’s the chance for an informal chat, to find out more about us and what we do.
“Once they have been trained, volunteers work with victims who have been harmed as well as those who caused them harm. The aim is to bring both parties together. It can be a long and emotional process but the work is both fulfilling and rewarding”.
In the last 12 months alone, Restorative Gloucestershire has dealt with a range of very different cases from conflict between neighbours to GBH and murder.
Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl, who provides funding to Restorative Gloucestershire said: “Restorative Justice plays an important role in getting satisfaction for victims and rehabilitating offenders.
“It would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of all the staff and volunteers who thoroughly deserve recognition for their work.”
If you’re interest or want more information, go to contactus@restorativegloucestershire.co.uk
