Commissioner asks Bury residents: Could you volunteer and make a difference?

Bury residents are being encouraged to give up their free time to support young and vulnerable people who have been arrested.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd is looking for Appropriate Adult volunteers. Appropriate Adults provide support and guidance to young and vulnerable people who are in custody and have no parent or guardian to call on.

Thirty-six people currently volunteer for the scheme but more are needed in Bury. Last year volunteers were called on to support 1,512 people in custody across Greater Manchester.

Tony said: “Finding yourself in custody can be an upsetting time for anybody, but for young people and those who are vulnerable, it’s even more distressing, particularly if you have nobody to contact for support. That’s why Appropriate Adults are a lifeline for some people – providing help and guidance for what can be a confusing process.

“Local people are invaluable to the success of the Appropriate Adult scheme – without people willing to give up their free time to help others, we wouldn’t be able to provide this important service. If you’ve got a little time to spare and want to make a difference then please apply to become one of our volunteers.”

Appropriate Adults form part of a 24-hour rota and may be called at any time of the day or night to help a young or vulnerable person as they are dealt with at a custody suite.

Full training is provided.

More than 90 people volunteer across three schemes: Independent Custody Visiting, Appropriate Adults and Animal Welfare Scheme.

To find out more and apply visit www.gmpcc.org.uk/volunteers , call 0161 604 7711 or email volunteers@gmpcc.org.uk

The deadline for applications is Friday 20 December 2013.

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For further information contact Claire Smith or Smyth Harper on 0161 793 3092 / 2511