MORE volunteers are needed to support the local Appropriate Adult Service in Melksham.
Appropriate Adult Service provides support to juveniles and adults with mental health issues or learning difficulties while they are in police custody.
Andrew Erving, who is in charge of CCP Appropriate Adult Service says, “An Appropriate Adult provides an essential service to vulnerable adults and children. The work gives me a unique and privileged access to a section of the legal process that most people know nothing about. It’s a fascinating and incredibly satisfying volunteer opportunity.”
The service ensures that the person in custody has someone to support them and to help them understand what is happening, especially if they have no-one available or willing to attend.
CCP is a registered charity which currently employs around 80 staff, backed up by a team of 150 volunteers. They have been providing Appropriate Adults to Melksham custody suites since April 2014 and have attended over 250 call outs in that time.
Daniel Chun, senior coordinator for volunteering says, “This is a unique volunteering opportunity that always has a popular level of interest with those who get in touch with us to volunteer.
“It’s a chance to support a vulnerable person to make sure they are treated fairly and respectfully whilst in custody and to provide a support network that would otherwise not be there. We have a diverse volunteer base including students, working professionals and retirees and offer full training to new volunteers. It is a rewarding experience in itself or many people use it as a way to acquire new skills and explore new challenges”.
For more information on CCP’s Appropriate Adult service please contact Andrew Erving on 01242 228999, or via andrew.erving@ccprojects.org.uk
