“There’s nothing like this anywhere else,” according to one Appropriate Adult volunteer about her work with vulnerable detainees in custody.
Rebecca Simpson, 23, of Middlesbrough, has used her experiences as an appropriate adult volunteer in post and undergraduate studies at Newcastle University.
And she’s even found the experience as a useful springboard to paid employment with Cleveland Police’s custody-based liaison and diversion team.
Rebecca happily admits that she would continue as an Appropriate Adult “even if I was no longer studying.”
She said: “I feel as if I am making a real difference. If some-one is afraid or needs support I’m there to provide it in what is a vulnerable and confusing situation for them.”
Personal Experience
For fellow Appropriate Adult 35-year-old Michaela Pattison, the role allows her to use her own experience of trauma, addiction and recovery to help others.
She said: “Sometimes my own experiences allow me to understand the detainees a bit better.
“Sometimes the client will want help, sometimes they won’t. I’m just there to listen to them in a non-judgemental way.”
Currently Michaela is studying towards a Foundation Degree in Counselling through Teesside University at Stockton Riverside College.
She said: “Being an Appropriate Adult has helped me become more confident as well as helping me to develop counselling skills.”
An Amazing Contribution
Jayne Golden, Volunteering Opportunities Manager at Teesside University, said: “The University recognises the amazing contribution of volunteering opportunities such as this to help students to develop their employability skills whilst giving back to the local community”
Cleveland Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has just extended its contract to provide Appropriate Adult support for vulnerable detainees in police custody across Cleveland.
Cleveland PCC Matt Storey said: “The Appropriate Adults service is an essential part of making sure the justice system is fair.
“It helps vulnerable adults to make sense of the system and protects their rights while they are in custody.
“As a result, it ensures investigations are carried out fairly and, as a result, evidence is less likely to be questioned later.”
Teesside Mind will run the contract on behalf of Cleveland OPCC until 31 December 2026.
Revis Phillips, Team Lead, said: “The role of the AA provides students with opportunities to refine communication skills, increase community awareness, and develop essential mental health knowledge, ultimately empowering them to contribute to the well-being of vulnerable people.
“This combined with ongoing training and support provides students with the privileged opportunity to bring their skills to developing this essential service to our communities.”
Appropriate Adults (AA) ensure vulnerable detainees in police custody understand their legal rights and entitlements.
The law around Appropriate Adults – and the volunteers themselves – are there to aid communication. They also make sure that investigation processes are carried our fairly.
When the current contract expires, the OPCC will have worked with Teesside Mind to provide the service for more than 10 years.