The Depaul was established in 1989 in response to the growing numbers of young people arriving on the streets of the capital. Emergency nightshelters, long stay hostels and shared housing were developed so that no young person had to sleep on the streets. Over time it was realised that these young people needed more than just their basic needs met. Depaul Trust expanded into providing specialised pre-employment training so these young people could start planning for their futures.  In 1997 we extended these services nation-wide, reaching out to young people living on the margins of society across the UK. 

The Depaul Trust have a number of opportunities to work as a volunteer in the NE which include:

One to One Mentor (Community Based) : Many young offenders are faced with the risk of homelessness on release from custody and, too often, the problems that led to their offending behaviour and previous periods of homelessness remain unaddressed.
The One to One Project is a mentoring programme for young offenders and operates across the North East.  It is desirable that prospective volunteers are 21 or over.  All volunteers who wish to volunteer on this project will be CRB checked by DePaul Trust. The role is that volunteers undertake regular visit’s with the young person after their release from custody.  Volunteers provide committed listening and support regarding the young person’s goals in the following area’s: education and training, alcohol and substance misuse, employment opportunities, the benefit system, sexual health and responsibility, offending behaviour, family/peer relations & personal well-being.  Depaul like volunteers to give a time commitment of 12-18 months.  But they are flexible as a project and appreciate that people’s circumstance do change and that it may prove impossible to adhere to this. 

Volunteers receive training on a range of topics relating to their role. Travel expenses are provided.

Interested? Contact us.