With the support of City Bridge, Hibiscus has set up a mentoring support service for women who have been, or are currently affected by the Criminal Justice System. The Bridging Project provides person-centred support for BMER and migrant women for the period leading to and/or after release from prison. Our mentors work closely with our project workers and other agencies to complement and add value to our support services.

Our mentors are female volunteers who have completed our Approved Provider Standard (APS) accredited training programme and bring their own range of skills, experience and qualities to the project. They are supportive and committed to providing time to listen and assist women who are going through a challenging period in their lives.

What do mentors do?

• Meet with women on a one-to-one basis regularly at scheduled times both in prison and in the community
• Keep in touch over the phone and/or by letter
• Explore with women solutions to practical problems, such as applying for housing, benefits, translating official letters, registering with GPs, attending appointments etc.
• Research and plan with women opportunities for training, education and volunteering
• Language support
• Meet women for a friendly catch-up chat over a cup of coffee/tea and cakes.

How to make a referral to the project

We can match a woman with a mentor anytime prior to her release, including when she is out in the community. If the referral comes from another organisation we will ask you to complete a referral form and return it to referrals@hibiscus.org.uk

If you wish to self-refer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator – Simina Simion via email simina@hibiscus.org.uk or phone 020 7697 4120.