Kelli’s story, Volunteers’ Week

Volunteers’ Week

#VolunteersWeek is a UK-wide campaign from 2nd to 8th  June to celebrate and recognise the invaluable contributions and efforts of volunteers. At Nacro, we recognise the important role our volunteers play in contributing to our mission of achieving positive social change, and we make sure to support them on their journey.

Kelli’s story

Kelli was studying Criminal Justice at university and her tutor signposted her to Nacro’s justice services to help her gain experience in the sector. Volunteering helped Kelli to realise which area she wanted to specialise in, which was rehabilitation and support. 

What did you learn from volunteering with Nacro?

“I didn’t think I’d learn as much as I have or see as much as I have. The staff at Nacro make an effort to get you up to speed with how their service and support offering works. I was able to get involved in loads of different things and learn different skills during my volunteering. 

Nacro are amazing at supporting people who are anxious about coming out of prison. While I was volunteering, there was one guy who just changed so much over the months – his life is so much more positive – and that’s from the girls helping him, setting him up with the dentist etc. He’s now looking at doing work himself. So many come out with dreams, but as soon as they’re released, there is nothing for them.  Nacro help them to change this.”

Why volunteer at Nacro? 

“When I first started, it was to gain experience alongside my course. But, the experience ended up opening my eyes to how rehabilitation changes people’s lives, and this made me want to pursue this particular area of work in the justice system.”