Codie road tests her chosen career
Volunteering is the chance to road test your chosen career. Codie has just graduated from Plymouth Marjon University with a BA (Hons) in Criminology with Psychology and she wants to be a Probation Officer. Volunteering is her opportunity to put her degree into practice.
Joining CASS+ as a volunteer is a stepping stone
We are so thankful to the careers team at Plymouth Marjon who recommended Codie to apply to volunteer at our hub inside Plymouth Magistrates’ Court. As a result, volunteering will be her stepping stone, enabling her to grow new skills alongside knowledge and experience of the Justice System. With the support of our Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator, we’re confident that she will learn to navigate our complex system and get to know our many partner agencies.
What does a Probation Officer do?
Part of a Probation Officer’s role is to reduce the incidence of re-offending by supporting people to make better life choices. Likewise, CASS+ works really closely with probation to make this happen. Above all, we collaborate with all our partners to find solutions to complicated situations, especially when it comes to: spiralling financial hardship and debt; homelessness and accommodation; general wellbeing; domestic abuse; substance use; mental health, including depression and anxiety; literacy issues; general court support; and employment, education and training.
Understanding complicated situations
Codie has experienced many health problems, but her life has turned around in the last couple of years. As a result, she’s now determined to help others:
It’s so important to understand someone’s situation. Everyone has a reason for the way they are. I’m fascinated in human behaviour and I want to help people who are going through hard times. Above all, I make every effort not to judge and aim to meet people where they’re at. There are always reasons as to how they’ve ended up in the Justice System. I really want to help them get out of it and make the most of the life they’ve been given. This is why I’ve chosen to volunteer with CASS+.
I’m excited to do the CASS+ induction and training. Some people who come through the CASS+ door can’t even get online. I’m also looking forward to making a difference by helping people access things like grants and benefits.
I like CASS+. I know there are people out there who can be helped. People are not numbers and they just need someone to listen to them. They can start to understand their future when they talk.
Codie could not have chosen a better volunteering role and we’re all looking forward to working with her.
Getting work ready
Need to get some work experience? Get ready for working in the Justice System and email admin@cassplus.org to join Codie and our team.
Need help through the Justice System?
Contact your local team to get confidential, free advice and support now and in the future.