The contribution volunteers make in prison is being celebrated by Corrections this week.
As part of National Volunteers Awareness week, the Department is hosting a series of morning and afternoon teas to thank the 3,000 people who volunteer in the Department's 20 prisons.
National Volunteer co-ordinator Russell Underwood says the number of people giving up their spare time to make a difference in the life of a prisoner is increasing.
"We've seen the numbers of volunteers entering our prisons increase by six per cent since the beginning of the year, which is fantastic from our point of view. The total number of volunteers we have up and down the country is now just over 3,000 and we hope to continue to increase that number."
He says volunteers come in many shapes and forms, with many belonging to specific organisations, while some volunteer on an individual basis.
"Our volunteers represent a total of 443 voluntary groups, and 85 per cent of those that volunteer in prisons belong to faith based organisations, such as Prison Fellowship New Zealand. We also have 180 Kaiwhakamana and 92 Fautua Pasefika volunteers working with prisoners up and down the country."
Mr Underwood says the support volunteers provide prisoners is vital to their rehabilitation.
"Volunteers contribute a great deal to prisoners. Organisations like Prison Fellowship New Zealand and Toastmasters provide prisoners with communication skills while building their confidence at the same time. Others like Alcoholics Anonymous who have been involved with the Department for 20 years, provide ongoing support and education to prisoners to help them combat their addiction.
"Similarly, our individual volunteers provide prisoners with much needed support, mentoring and new skills, which assist prisoners when they return back to the community."
Anyone wishing to volunteer in prison should contact Corrections by emailing volunteering@corrections.govt.nz
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For further information email commdesk@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 460 3365.