Volunteer with the Oswin Project
If you have time to offer,join us in giving second chances.
As the Oswin Project grows, we aim to increase our volunteers by recruiting enthusiastic individuals who share our ethos and aim to reduce reoffending through giving second chances by working together in our different enterprises.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer
01
Complete an application form.
02
Our Mentor Manager will be in touch for a confidential conversation.
03
Come meet us, visit Cafe 16 in the Cathedral and meet some of the staff and volunteers.
04
Complete the necessary paperwork, if it involves volunteering in the prison, you will have to complete a security check.
05
Start working with one of our teams.
“
Volunteering with The Oswin Project has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing people transform their lives through the opportunities provided here makes every hour worthwhile.
— Current Volunteer
“
I started as a volunteer after my release and it helped rebuild my confidence. Now I’m employed full-time and still volunteer when I can.
— Former Oswinner
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Cafe 16
Join one of the teams in our café at Newcastle Cathedral or HMP Northumberland. Gain hospitality experience,while supporting the work we do and the prisoners and prison leavers we work with.
Inside & Out
We especially welcome volunteers with experience in building work, painting, decorating, and stonework to volunteer with the ‘Inside and Out’ team who specialise in gardening, decorating and maintenance work including restoring historic stone walls.
Growing Out Farm Shop
Our Farm shop based on the grounds of HMP Northumberland is key in building links between the prison and local community. Help us to serve and sell freshly baked goods from Café 16, homegrown fruit and vegetables from the market gardens and furniture and bird boxes crafted in the woodwork shop.
Changing the Cycle Bike Shop
If you are looking to share your skills and knowledge in bicycle mechanics, then please consider volunteering at our latest enterprise, Changing the Cycle.
Volunteering with a Criminal Record
We welcome all volunteers as your experience can provide unique perspective and inspire our clients, who we refer to as Oswinners. Having a criminal record is not a barrier to volunteering with us. Many of our volunteers and staff members have navigated their way through the criminal justice system.
Volunteering without a Criminal Record
We have lots of opportunities for people without criminal records to volunteer. Some volunteers become ‘keyholders’ and help us in our Café inside HMP Northumberland, others offer support through mentoring, and help us with events or office admin.
Volunteer with The Oswin Project
Please complete the below form if you would like to volunteer with The Oswin Project. Your information will only be seen by the Mentor Manager, who will contact you. We will not add you to a Mailing List or other mass communication tool.