The Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) Volunteers, Sarah Smyth and Penny Clow
PACT Volunteers – The volunteers work in the tea bar of the visitors’ hall at HMP Nottingham, presenting a welcoming and friendly presence to visiting families as a source of comfort. The Operations Governor at the prison says “their welcoming and friendly demeanour has served only to ensure that the visiting experience is less daunting and stressful than it can sometimes be”.
Sarah Smyth – Sarah is a volunteer with the Person Shaped Support Service (PSS) and has set up a community based support group for the partners of people in prison in Liverpool, which is the only group of its kind. Having previously been a service user, Sarah wanted to give something back and help those who are going through similar experiences. She has attended numerous training courses and has made a real difference to people who use the service.
Penny Clow – Penny has been a volunteer for the Prisoners’ Families and Friends Service (PFFS) for 38 years, beginning as a befriender for 100s of families to now becoming a Trustee. In 1994, she set up the PFFS Court Project and she has been instrumental in devising the family centre’s programme of educational activities. Her work has made a huge difference to the lives of prisoners and their families.