Volunteer

Description

Release Prison Partnership

Release Prison Partnership is an Irish charity delivering restorative justice programmes in places of incarceration (8 prisons) and communities. Our work promotes accountability and supports positive reintegration. We work with people affected by crime to support responsibility, repair harm where possible, and reduce reoffending through restorative, practical, and human centred approaches.

Restorative justice itself focuses on repairing harm rather than simply punishing people. It supports individuals to acknowledge what happened, understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility, and work towards repair with the aim of accountability, healing, and safer communities.

Role: Volunteer Group Facilitator

We are seeking volunteer facilitators to support delivery of the Sycamore Tree Project, a six-week restorative justice course delivered in prisons and rehabilitation centres.

The programme explores:

• What is Restorative Justice
• The Ripple Effect of Crime
• Taking Responsibility
• Forgiveness and Remorse
• Breaking the Cycle
• What’s Next

Time Commitment

Your commitment depends on the number of courses you volunteer for.
Each course runs one day per week for seven consecutive weeks.

What You Will Do

• Support tutors in delivering group sessions
• Help facilitate small group discussions
• Encourage respectful participation and reflection
• Support participants in engaging with learning goals
• Assist with session preparation and set-up

Experience

No prior experience is required. An interest in restorative justice, group work, mentoring, or community engagement is welcome. Full training is provided.

Training

Next training session:
28 March 2026
5/6 Chancery Place, Dublin 7
Start time: 10:00 AM

Why Volunteer with Release?

• Gain high-quality training in restorative justice and group facilitation
• Develop skills in communication, leadership and community engagement
• Contribute to meaningful work that supports accountability and reintegration
• Become part of a committed, community-focused organisation

If you are interested in contributing to safer communities through practical restorative work, we would welcome your application.

Is training provided?:Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position which will be processed with you after you apply.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

Time Commitment

Your commitment depends on the number of courses you volunteer for.
Each course runs one day per week for seven consecutive weeks.

What You Will Do

• Support tutors in delivering group sessions
• Help facilitate small group discussions
• Encourage respectful participation and reflection
• Support participants in engaging with learning goals
• Assist with session preparation and set-up

Experience

No prior experience is required. An interest in restorative justice, group work, mentoring, or community engagement is welcome. Full training is provided.

Training

Next training session:
28 March 2026
5/6 Chancery Place, Dublin 7
Start time: 10:00 AM

Benefits of Volunteering:

Why Volunteer with Release?

• Gain high-quality training in restorative justice and group facilitation
• Develop skills in communication, leadership and community engagement
• Contribute to meaningful work that supports accountability and reintegration
• Become part of a committed, community-focused organisation

Minimum time commitment per week:
4 hours p/week

Sustainable Development Goal:

Hei:
ATU - DONEGAL, ATU - GALWAY, ATU - MAYO, ATU - SLIGO, ATU - ST ANGELAS, DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY, TU DUBLIN, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY, UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK