Volunteers are at the heart of St Giles. Their time, skills and generosity make a real difference to the lives of the people we support. Our volunteers bring strength to our services and hope to those who need it.
Since St Giles was founded in 1962, we have championed the value of volunteers, but it was in 2002 that the peer-led approach was pioneered, taking on trained peers as volunteers, either after release from prison or on Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL).
In 2024:
- 513 people earned the Learning to Advise assured certificate
- 391 in prison
- 122 in the community across England and Wales.
- Additionally, 91 individuals achieved their Level 3 in Advice and Guidance (49 in the community, 42 in prison), all completing placements as part of their training.
Our volunteers are supported through training, ongoing guidance, and development opportunities. Many bring lived experience, and we help them build confidence and skills to support others. Many go on to gain qualifications or move into paid employment. Above all, we recognise and celebrate the vital role volunteers play in changing lives.
Beverley’s Story
Beverley volunteers at St Giles, mentoring young people in Coventry to move away from gang involvement, violence, and exploitation. Her support recently helped a teenager at risk of exploitation to build a safer future through advice and guidance, looking at career options and making better life choices. Through St Giles, Beverley has been able to train and gain a Level 2 Mentoring qualification and has been nominated for a volunteering award to recognise her commitment to St Giles.
I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with St Giles. The best bits have been watching how my support as a mentor has helped the mentee flourish and make better choices for themselves. My advice for anyone contemplating volunteering with St Giles would be, go for it! The training and support given has been amazing and I truly believe I have grown as a person.
– Beverley Link, CIRV Volunteer Mentor
Ceri’s Story
Ceri’s journey at the St Giles Trust Gwent Boost Hub shows strength and determination through volunteering. Despite facing personal and health challenges, she trained on the Peer Advisor Programme, gaining valuable skills and forming strong bonds with others. After temporarily losing her ability to speak due to a medical procedure, she showed perseverance and continued offering support. She took part in welcoming participants, facilitating workshops and attending networking events, overcoming her fear of public speaking. After completing her NVQ in Advice and Guidance, she secured a full-time Support Worker Assistant role at Llamau, a homelessness charity in Wales. Her experience highlights the impact of volunteering and determination, proving how the right support can help people reach their goals.
I would not be working here if I hadn’t started volunteering at St Giles. I am so proud of how far I have come.
– Ceri
Volunteers are an integral part of St Giles Cymru. They bring essential expertise and their unique perspectives and insights have shaped and strengthened our projects and services. Our clients will often share how the warm and friendly welcome from one of our volunteers immediately put them at ease and helped them engage and access a service. We could not do what we do without our dedicated volunteers.
– Phoenix Averies, St Giles Trust Cymru Regional Service Manager
Our volunteers not only support our teams but also inspire them, creating a positive, compassionate environment that reflects the very spirit of St Giles. Many go on to become lifelong advocates, helping us build a stronger, more inclusive future.
This Volunteers’ Week, we celebrate and thank every one of our amazing volunteers. Your impact is truly life changing.