We were delighted when MSc Psychology student Corinna Russell agreed to be a volunteering case study. Volunteering a staggering 115 hours with NEPACS (a north of England charity that supports individuals, families and children who have been affected by the criminal justice system, prison or case system) and awarded a Gold Plus Award at the last volun-cheers event. Corinna also worked for a time at the University as a Student Adviser (Mental Health and Autism) in the Student and Library Services department and made such a positive impact within the team. Please read on to find out more about Corinna and why volunteering played such an important role.

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As part of the entry requirement for the Criminal Justice Doctorate, I needed to be in an appropriate employment or volunteer role. I remembered about an email from the volunteering team that NEPACS were looking for volunteers. I had ten years experiences in Youth Offending and Probation, and several years’ experience in Adult Mental Health. After finding out more about NEPACS I decided to explore working with them as a volunteer. They support defendants and family's going through the criminal justice systems and it really appealed to me.

I am based at Teesside Crown Court. A typical session involves liaising with colleagues, the probation team and court officials regarding cases that may require my assistance. I attend different court rooms to introduce myself, explaining who NEPACS are and offering my support. I discuss information to help people prepare for custodial sentences, book visit, signpost and provide general help.

The role has been interesting. Volunteering from the involvement side that is not statutory (police, court, probation etc) - people engage because they want to, not because they must. It is therefore important to be approachable, non-judgemental and impartial - you are not there to become involved in the offence, alleged or otherwise. It has certainly developed my skills in lots of areas.

I enjoy the interaction with people, it is nice when people see you sometime later and approach you to let you know how they are getting on or passing thanks to other members of the team. It is really rewarding to know that I have made a difference.

My advice to anyone thinking about volunteering is to explore it and give it a try - you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It is a valuable way to gain skills (and maybe a reference) that will support your entry into the workplace in the future. Since I was a teenager, I have always undertaken some form of volunteering. I think learning is lifelong and even if you have a lifetime of work behind you there is always something new to learn, develop and enhance. I am looking forward to continuing my studies which start in September and will continue to volunteer with NEPACS.