I have been volunteering with New Connections for around eight months now, and have loved every moment. New Connections has assisted me in developing my skills further, as well as learning new ones.

As a company whose aims are to ‘use all resources to help achieve positive outcomes for all those they work with, within the criminal justice system and outside of it’; I admired the work–both they were doing and had done–and wanted to be a part of it. I started volunteering a few hours a week and instantly felt like a valid member of their team. New connections took recognition in my work, assisted me whenever I needed it and saw potential in me, which I didn't see in myself. They have pushed me to develop new skills, helped me further pre-existing ones, in which case something I am eternally grateful for.

New Connections is an organisation which provides support for those within the criminal justice system, however they have also supported me in reaching one of my goals in life and developing a career within the field of work I love.

New Connections is a brillant organisation i have been volunteering for, i am really enjoying every minute of it since i started and ongoing. I love the work that New Connections are doing and making a difference for the clients we work with, the staff from when i started have been so great, so supportive and encouraging, I was nervous at frist but i was given such reassurance to ask as many questions as i needed which really helped me.

New Connections always want our feedback as volunteers how they can accommodate us better whether it be in training or any other way, which is so good I feel. I built my confidence back after being with New Connections i never felt judge but more compassion especially after my journey i been through before volunteering for New Connections.

I like how New Connections works with it clients and also their staff and volunteers in a person centred way , always lots of encouragement and understanding and especially being able to be comfortable to be able to ask questions or message the staff at New Connections. if you need to ask a question or just reach out i think that the most important thing having caring supporting managers, staff and volunteers that are kind, helpful and you feel comfortable reaching out and not feel like you are bothering them and who are very caring, friendly and communications between staff and volunteers is great, Its also a new but great experience working from home and so flexible too

I learnt so much volunteering at New Connections and learning even more, i am enjoy volunteering and being part of New connections and being a part of the work they are doing and i love being part of a awesome team, i look forward to continue to grow being part of New Connections and the work they are doing.

Danielle grew up in Blackpool, Lancashire and had a violent and abusive upbringing. She became involved in alcohol, drugs and crime at an early age and had a criminal record by the age of 12.

At the age of 24 Danielle received a mandatory life sentence and after release in 2015 started to put her life back together but unfortunately found it difficult to adjust without help finding herself back in the grip of addiction to drugs and alcohol within 3 years.

After 2 recalls to custody help was offered by a referral from her lawyer to Ted Baillie of New Connections . Danielle was successful in her parole hearing, following a period of close support and report from Ted, and released to Acorn Recovery rehab in Burnley to address her addictions which again was helped by both the funding and rehab place being initiated by New Connections. She has now opened the door to many opportunities and is passionate about helping other prisoners become the best version of themselves in the future. Danielle is now a volunteer for New Connections.