LDSG is a small organisation with five paid staff, so volunteers are absolutely central to the support we give to detainees. We have a pool of around 50 volunteers (Visiting Volunteers), each visiting an individual detainee to support them through their detention. In addition we have capacity for 3 volunteers to help with our work in the office each work day (Advocacy Support Volunteers).


Visiting Volunteers

Visiting Volunteers are primarily there to listen. Each volunteer sees one or two individual detainees every week to 10 days. Visiting hours are between 2pm and 8.30pm everyday and the visits are at the convenience of the volunteer and the client. Volunteers see the same detainee throughout their time in the centres, which can be anything from a few days to years. They aim to provide a stable, supportive relationship, to enable detainees to face their situations and make informed decisions about the limited choices available to them.
Recruitment for this post is on-going and requires a six month commitment.


Advocacy & Support Volunteers

These volunteers dedicate their time to practical as well as emotional support. ASVs answer our freephone line to offer emotional support to detainees and are responsible for supporting a caseload of detainees each week. ASVs also advocate on behalf of detainees to put them in touch with legal advisors and specific support organisations. They also provide advice on detainees' rights and how to access support once released from detention.
Recruitment for this post depends on current capacity and the commitment required is one day a week for six months or two days a week for three months.


How to apply

There are three steps to the recruitment of our volunteers:
Application Form - please download below or call us for a copy to be posted to you.
Interview - interviews take place 9am - 5pm at our office in Islington.
Training - the induction training takes place every 6-8 weeks one weekday evening at our office in Islington.

Visiting Volunteers
Please see the full Job Description here.
For the application form click here.

Please fill out the application form and return it to info@ldsg.org.uk or post it LDSG 436, Essex Road, London, N1 3QP.

Advocacy Support Volunteers
Please see the full Job Description here
For the application form click here.

Please fill out the form and return it along with your C.V to info@lsdg.org.uk or post it LDSG 436, Essex Road, London, N1 3QP.

If you would like to discuss the application process or have a question about the forms please call us on 0207 226 3114 and we'll be happy to speak with you.