Volunteer Voices: Joe
In the next of our spotlight on volunteers, we hear Joe’s story. Although male volunteers are still in the minority at Circles South West, we are delighted to see more men coming forward to join the team. Male volunteers bring a valuable perspective, helping create more balanced and inclusive Circles. Their involvement not only strengthens teamwork and representation but also brings a great role model to the Core Member, who is also usually male. By telling Joe’s story we hope it can inspire more men to step forward, contribute their strengths, and help build diverse teams that better reflect the communities we serve.
Why I decided to volunteer and why Circles South West
I decided to volunteer for a variety of reasons. I am currently studying towards being a therapist, having a particular interest in working with individuals who are currently in prison or have recently been released. When I discovered Circles South West and learned more about their work, I realised that volunteering as part of a Circle would offer great experience in a field closely aligned with my career goals, while also allowing me to make a meaningful contribution to the community.
Since joining Circles, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that Circles can have — not only on the core member, but on the wider community. The ethos of no more victims really stands out to me, I really believe that the involvement of each volunteer is a huge step towards this.
Training with Circles South West
I found the training enjoyable, but also really useful and informative. The two-day programme was well set up and suited to all different participants, ensuring a good balance of interactive learning with thought provoking discussions.
My first circle
I am currently part of my first Circle, which began in November last year. Although it is still early days, it is going well. When the core member joined, he was unemployed and at risk of eviction from supported housing, and so on the verge of homelessness. Understandably, there were concerns that this instability could negatively affect his rehabilitation.
Since then, with the support of the Circle, he has secured employment and is no longer at risk of losing his accommodation, a huge step forward and a visible, encouraging outcome for both him and the volunteers involved.
Whilst being a part of this Circle has been an overall positive, there have been expected challenging moments. I have enjoyed discussing these moments with the other volunteers, and feel fully supported in this group and by the circle coordinator. I’m now looking forward to beginning a second Circle alongside this one, as I’ve genuinely enjoyed the process and continue to learn a great deal from it.
What I hope to use the volunteering for & what the future looks like.
I will finish my studies in June 2027. All going well, I will then aim to start working as a therapist from there. I still haven’t decided exactly how or where I would ideally work once qualified, however the volunteering with Circles has given me a really valuable insight into working with current/former prisoners, something which will be of keen interest to me once I qualify.
To join our thriving volunteer community find out more here, and apply here.
