Published: 15.05.2024.

PRISONS ARE OPEN FOR VOLUNTEERING

The Latvian Prison Service is open to all who would like to volunteer in prisons to work together in making our society safer. Volunteering builds trust, brings communities together, reduces the risk of loneliness and exclusion, and reduces recidivism. Volunteering also sets an example of socially responsible behaviour, promotes healthy lifestyles, humanistic values and personal development.

A volunteer can engage in various forms of volunteering - contributing to the development of education and work skills, realising useful leisure time, organising and implementing sports activities, supporting in overcoming addictions, strengthening family ties and addressing social issues. Volunteering is very varied and takes the initiative and willingness of the volunteer to offer their knowledge and experience to the prisoners - it can be lectures on different topics, or different types of activities - sports, art, languages, board games and other activities.

Who can become a volunteer?

To become a volunteer, you must be willing and ready to support the person who has committed the offence, have reached the age of majority, have a high sense of responsibility, good time management skills and speak the Latvian language.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

New knowledge, experience and skills, personal growth and development.

What does the Prison Service offer?

  • Training;
  • Health and life insurance;
  • Paid travel expenses;
  • Meals once a day on the day of volunteering;
  • Accommodation costs if it is necessary to spend the night away from home while volunteering;
  • Supervision;
  • Participation in conferences for volunteers;
  • Letter of recommendation for further career.

How to become a volunteer?

If you match the requirements, fill in the application form at www.ievp.gov.lv under "Brīvprātīgais darbs" (https://www.ievp.gov.lv/lv/brivpratigais-darbs) and you will be contacted by a representative of the Latvian Prison Administration.
Apply for the training, sign the volunteering contract and become a volunteer in prisons.

Find out more about volunteering at the Latvian Prison Administration: 

Person to contact:

Lāsma Kokoreviča +371 67290253 or lasma.kokorevica@ievp.gov.lv