Singapore Prison Service - Befriender

Singapore Prison Service welcomes passionate individuals to sign up as a befriender. The befriender service is given to befriendees - who may not have strong support from family nor positive peers.

As a befriender, you will foster a meaningful mentoring relationship with an offender that begins in prison and continues after their release, preparing them for reintegration into society.

You will be a part of a network of pro-social peers, including friends and mentors, to support the offender's reintegration efforts. Providing a positive peer influence can help prevent re-offending by allowing offenders to meet their social and other needs in lawful ways.

Commitment	Skills and Interest
Up to 10 months in Incare and continuing on in Aftercare	Befriending
Home Team Department
Singapore Prison Service

Commitment

Skills and Interest

Up to 10 months in Incare and continuing
on in Aftercare

Befriending

Home Team Department

Singapore Prison Service

More About this Scheme

What You'll Do

The Community Befriending Project is divided into two phases: Incare (up to 10 months) and Aftercare. You need to commit for the full duration in this programme.

In the Incare phase, you can engage befriendees via face-to-face visits, letter writing, as well as phone calls.

In the Aftercare phase, you'll continue to provide a listening ear and moral support to help them adjust in the community.

Training

As a new volunteer, you will undergo Basic Prison Training to familiarise yourself with the prisons environment and the do’s and don't’s during your volunteering stint.

You will also be equipped with the skills and knowledge to conduct effective and purposeful sessions with your befriendees.

You can look forward to attending developmental courses certified by the Social Service Institute (SSI). These training opportunities will allow you to specialise in specific skills in volunteering and working with people.

Dialogue Sessions

You will also be invited to attend regular dialogue sessions with prison staff supporting the institutions which you are based at.

The dialogue sessions allow the institution's staff and volunteers to discuss issues related to your volunteering stint.

Benefits and Recognition

As a Home Team volunteer, you will be trained and supervised, working in partnership with regular officers in the execution of their duties. Our philosophy of involvement includes giving you the necessary orientation, ample opportunities for personal development, as well as awards and recognition for good service.

In appreciation of your contribution to rehabilitation efforts, volunteers are invited to attend an annual appreciation luncheon at the end of each year.

We also recognise the contributions of our volunteers with the Long Service award.

Learn More About Awards and Recognition

Joining CDAU has allowed me to equip myself with specialized knowledge and skills, as well as the opportunity to contribute back to my community.

SGT 2 (V) John Joel Seow

Civil Defence Auxiliary Unit

I take pride in working with the regular officers, PNSFs, PNSmen and civilian staff to maintain law and order, and to keep Singapore safe. I also enjoy interacting with members of the public during our patrols and roadshows. I feel I am part of a larger family and this keeps inspiring me to do my best.

ASP (V) Seah Ching San, Paul

Volunteer Special Constabulary and Honorary Officer, National Police Cadet Corps

There's a place for everyone and as a volunteer, we can help reintegrate ex-offenders back into society by spreading messages of second chances.

Jenap M. Said

Yellow Ribbon Project

Public education, Uniformed role, Youth leadership, Safety and security

National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) Cadet Inspectors and Honorary Officers

Volunteer as an NPCC Cadet Inspector or Honorary Officer and help support the Corps to develop and nurture our cadets to achieve the necessary core competencies.

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Psychological first aid

Victim Care Cadre Programme (VCCP)

Provide emotional and practical support to victims of crimes. You need to have a background in areas such as psychology, social work and counselling

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Befriending, Public education

Yellow Ribbon Project (YRP)

Raise awareness about the needs of ex-offenders and their families by volunteering with the Yellow Ribbon Project. Help ex-offenders unlock the “Second Prison”.

Find Out More

Singapore Prison Service - Befriender

Key Details

Who Is Eligible