Youth Offending Service issues appeal for additional volunteers

LEICESTERSHIRE’S Youth Offending Service (YOS) is looking for volunteers to help support young people under the team’s supervision.

The service wants to add to its established support network, particularly with ‘role model’ mentors for young men, parenting volunteers and appropriate adult volunteers.

Coun Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “We want our young people to have role models and that’s why these volunteer mentors play such a vital role.

“We’re particularly looking for male mentors and welcome volunteers of all genders and ethnicity looking to help a young person settle back into their community.”

The roles of YOS volunteers are quite varied.

Appropriate adults support young people in custody when a parent or carer is not able to attend the police station when a young person is arrested.

The appropriate adult is also there to check on the young person’s physical and emotional welfare, ensure they are fairly treated, and understand their rights through- out the police interview proceedings.

If you are aged 18 or over, and have the time and desire to help a young person turn their life around, contact the YOS team by calling 0116 305 0030 for more information.

Training begins in September, so volunteers are urged to register their interest soon.