Volunteer conference 2025

Volunteer Zoë reflects on this year's volunteer conference

Only a few months into my befriender role we received our invitations to the 2025 New Bridge annual volunteer conference. From previous years’ blogs, I knew to expect a line-up of interesting speakers as well as the chance to meet in person the staff team and fellow volunteers I’d only seen on a screen. Having received helpful travel instructions, I’d also reached out in advance to my support group to see who would be there. Happily, our chair Rosie was coming and we agreed to look out for each other.  I was intrigued and excited as I headed down to King’s College, London, by train. 

 

On arrival we were given our packs and badges and there was time for a quick cuppa before entering the auditorium. I heard someone say that their alarm went at something like 3 in the morning to travel to London from the North of England. I later discovered that this was one of the former service user contributors, Paul, who was generous enough to share how New Bridge supported him in prison and the practical challenges he is overcoming to stay true to his decision to live a life away from crime. 

Our opening speaker was Professor David Wilson (New Bridge Vice President, former Prison Governor, leading criminologist and well known media presence), fresh from having his photo taken with a couple of star struck New Bridge volunteers in the foyer! He joked that he was using us to try out his upcoming book to be called ‘A History of Modern Britain in 20 Murders’ before going on tour. I first heard the rather unsettling concept ‘ideal victim’ in this engaging talk which I went away and looked up later. 

Next up was Ciara who shared her MSc research into the impact of the befriending relationship. At New Bridge we can offer to visit once we have spent six months getting to know each other through letters, which is not too long away for me. Ciara shared two ways that prison visits are ‘social capital’ (another new bit of terminology).  Having a visit enables a prisoner to connect with their peers through a shared experience, from standing in a queue waiting to go in, to being able to reflect on it afterwards. Secondly, a visit builds on the connection made through letters or emails, where the visitor physically brings a part of the outside to the inside.  

Next, the charity ‘Give a Book’ shared about their valuable work including book groups which support peer relationships, trust and communication. An inspirational anecdote was shared, that when there weren’t enough staff to take the reading group members to the library, the ‘Give a Book’ volunteers made an arrangement to find space on the wing to meet. Would you agree that this epitomizes the commitment to ‘meet a person where they are at’?  There is a very moving and encouraging short film on the website https://giveabook.org.uk/ Do take a look! 

Next we heard from Chris and Paul, former New Bridge service users. Chris’ long term befriender Ben was at the conference and there was a palpable sense of trust and connection in the room that has stayed with me. 

Lunch was a selection of vegetarian and vegan sandwiches. I’m veggie and I can honestly say I have never had the choice of the full range of sandwiches at a buffet lunch so top marks from me! I caught up with others from my support group, as well as meeting someone who I found out lives only in a neighbouring village. It felt so good to be amongst a diverse range of non-judgmental people, united by shared values. As the day progressed I also realised just how much expertise and knowledge there was in the room in terms of research, professional experience within the criminal justice system and people who have volunteered for New Bridge for up to 20 years! It was also encouraging to meet enthusiastic and mature young adults keen to make a difference.

The afternoon was equally enlightening. First, Mary Haley, former governor grade officer, now Clinical Training Lead at HMP Grendon (amongst other professional roles) talked about the importance of a prisoner at the end of their sentence being able to see themselves as an ex-offender, master of their own destiny and with the power to enact change. Change, when returning to the same environment, takes grit and determination.  It’s so important for any of us to feel we have someone in our corner who believes in us. This is, of course, at the heart of New Bridge befriending. 

 

Last but not least Steve Ormerod talked about his 21 year career in prisons (so far), including as governor at Holme House. In his bio, I noted that he introduced animal therapy to the Therapeutic Community unit there. From prison writing (and life) I am sure most of us volunteers could imagine our prisoners benefiting from the healing power of the human/ animal relationship. Steve now works as a director for Serco whilst studying for a Masters and being a New Bridge Trustee. Not to mention family commitments and supporting Blackburn Rovers. A busy person!

I hope this has captured a snapshot of the conference. Thank you to all the speakers for sharing their perspectives with compassion and positivity. Thanks to the organisers too for putting together a memorable and encouraging day. Looking forward to next year!  

Zoë (volunteer since March 2025)