Volunteers wanted to act as ‘Appropriate Adults’

Do you think you could be a 'appropriate adult'?

Government is looking to recruit volunteers to support vulnerable children and adults - specifically, through police and court processes.

The scheme will see volunteers help those who have been arrested and don't have a parent, guardian or support worker.

Volunteers will need to be available at different times including normal working hours, evenings and weekends.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Lawrie Hooper MHK, said: ‘Unfortunately there are young people and vulnerable adults in our community who do not have a parent or guardian they can call on if they are arrested. We have a responsibility to ensure that those people have access to an equal level of support, that someone has their best interests in mind when guiding them through the custodial process.'

Appropriate Adults must be over 18, have access to a mobile phone and understand the importance of confidentiality - full training will be provided.

Anyone interested in is asked to email dhsc@gov.im.