Volunteers are being sought to help monitor Kent prisons.

The unpaid role is open to those who live within 30 miles of five jails: East Sutton Park, Elmley, Standford Hill, Swaleside, and Cookham Wood.

The independent monitoring boards at the prisons are looking for people to join them in a role which “provides insight into a world that few people see”.

One board member said: “It could be the most rewarding thing you have ever done, and you can make a real difference to prison life.

“I was unemployed when I started volunteering and did not know how I would be able to re-enter the workplace after being out of work for so long.

“The experience and confidence I gained on the board enabled me to get paid employment, which I now do alongside my volunteer role.”

HMP East Sutton Park is an open prison and young offender institution for women over the age of 18.

Cookham Wood is a male young persons' prison and young offenders institution in Borstal, Rochester, for boys and young men aged 15 to 18.

Elmley, Standford Hill and Swaleside are all male prisons on Sheppey. Elmley is a Category B and C adult facility, while Standford Hill is a Category D and Swaleside is a Category B.

Referring to East Sutton Park, a spokesperson said: “Once members have received their security clearance, they have unrestricted access to the prison and can talk to any prisoner they wish to, out of sight and hearing of members of staff if necessary, in order to monitor day-to-day activity across the establishment.

“This provides an opportunity to report on whether individuals are being treated fairly and humanely and whether they are being given the support they need to turn their lives around.”

They are looking for someone who is a good listener, committed to equality, non-judgemental and open-minded.

Volunteers will also need to be good communicators and have basic computer skills.

After an initial training period, volunteers will be expected to visit two-to-three times a month. This includes a monthly board meeting.

Travel and subsistence expenses are paid for, as well as childcare costs and contributions towards loss of earnings, in certain circumstances.

If you are interested, you can apply here.

The next virtual open evening is on April 23.