Who is eligible?
Sex offenders serving a sentence in prison or subject to licence/community supervision or sex offender registration.
The role of volunteers
Volunteers are pivotal to the concept of Circles. They should be mature, well-balanced people who are interested in supporting offenders within the community.
Volunteers wanted
We currently have opportunities for volunteers in London and would like to hear from interested parties.
More information can be found by clicking here, an application form can be downloaded here and interested parties can also contact Project Coordinator, Blair Parrott on 01372 847160.
What are ‘Circles’?
For some men and women who have sexually offended, trying to re-settle into the community, particularly following a period of imprisonment, may be a daunting prospect. They may feel isolated and fearful, and in need of practical support; for example in finding work or managing their money. They may also struggle to rebuild a full and meaningful life whilst managing their ongoing and potentially risky behaviour.
A ’Circle of Support and Accountability’ is formed around the offender – in Circles, called the ‘Core Member’ – by volunteers from the local community. First developed by the Mennonite Church in Canada, they aim to address the safety concerns of the community whilst helping the Core Member to lead a fulfilling and offence-free life.
Circles work with Police, Probation, local Multi Agency Public Protection Panels and other professionals working in the field of child protection. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation has been at the forefront of their development in the UK since 2000.
How do Circles work?
Each Circle consists of 4-6 volunteers and a Core Member. It aims to provide a supportive social network that also requires the Core Member to take responsibility (be ‘accountable’) for his/her ongoing risk management. The Circle meets weekly and volunteers also spend individual time with the Core Member, either face to face or by phone. The Circle provides support and practical guidance in such things as developing social skills and accessing benefits. It also helps the Core Member find hobbies and interests. Its ‘life’ is initially for 12 months, but may extend beyond this for as long as the Core Member and volunteers consider it useful.
Who is eligible?
- Sex offenders serving a sentence in prison or subject to licence/community supervision or sex offender registration.
- Offenders must be prepared to enter voluntarily into a contract with a Circle. They must have some understanding of their offending behaviour and be actively seeking to develop a positive, non-offending lifestyle.
The role of volunteers
Volunteers are pivotal to the concept of Circles. They should be mature, well-balanced people who are interested in supporting offenders within the community. All volunteers undergo an initial two-day training programme and receive ongoing support from designated LFF staff.
To visit Circles UK – the umbrella organization for Circles projects throughout the UK – please click here
For further information about Circles of Support and Accountability please contact:
Simon Sauze, Project Manager: ssauze@lucyfaithfull.org
Blair Parrott, Project Coordinator: bparrott@lucyfaithfull.org
Information can also be sought by contacting:
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation
Nightingale House
46-48 East St.
Epsom
KT17 1HB
Tel: 01372 847160