Friends of Peterborough Prison

What to expect

Friends of Peterborough Prison (FOPP) volunteers help support prisoners, their families, and friends. FOPP recruit volunteers from as wide a cross-section of the community as possible, and ensure that their individual skills and personalities are put to the best possible use. They employ a part-time Volunteer Coordinator who is responsible for the recruitment and day-to-day management of all their volunteers, and for liaising with the prison on all aspects of their activities.

Many opportunities exist to volunteer within the prison, in areas such as:

• Tea and Coffee Bar
• Education
• Library
• Gym
• Holistic Therapist
• Beauty Therapist
• Garden support
• Play area support
• Life skills

As a volunteer, you won't have to lead an activity and you won't be on your own; you will support the activity leader. Read more about the range of possible roles on this page.

You will need to be 18 or over and (except for the tea and coffee bar roles) have full Ministry of Justice security clearance before you can help inside the prison. You can find more information about the security clearance procedure on their Signing Up page. FOPP will guide you through the clearance application process.

All people interested in volunteering will have an informal interview and a chance to see the Prison environment. No previous experience is necessary. Find out more about what it's like being a volunteer and what you'll need to know on this page.

More information

If you've not been inside HM Peterborough Prison, you might be pleasantly surprised at how non-stereotypical it looks. You can see a few photos above; see more and read about them on this Inside Peterborough Prison page.

There is free parking on site, toilets separate from prisoners, and you will receive training.

Volunteering is free, as is the security vetting and training; all relevant expenses are also paid.