Humbercare Circles of Support and Accountability is a community response to sexual offending, working in partnership with criminal justice agencies.

We aim to reduce the risk of future sexual offending by supporting and holding to account those who have committed sexual offences in the past (known as ‘core members’) and who are committed to not re-offending again, to safely lead responsible, productive lives.

Social isolation and emotional loneliness are key factors. Our carefully selected and trained volunteers provide core members with responsible opportunities for safe and constructive reintegration, acting as a support and safety mechanism for both the offender and the community.

Volunteers are what makes Circles unique and are at the very heart of the ethos of Circles – ‘No More Victims’. Volunteers can support and hold a Core Member to account in a manner that is different from paid professionals by showing the Core Member that they have value and there are people who are keen to support them establish a lifestyle that is positive and not harmful.

The role you play in a Circle and impact on the Core Member is paramount. Research has indicated that Circles Volunteers contribute to the following positive outcomes:

• Reduce emotional loneliness and isolation;
• Listen and be someone to talk with;
• Model appropriate relationships and behaviour;
• Encourage the Core Member to identify and engage in appropriate activities;
• Complement (not replace) the interventions of professionals working with the Core Member;
• Observe and explore the Core Member’s thoughts, behaviour and activities and pass on any concerns;
• Keep the Core Member on track with their goals;
• Encourage independence;
• Show empathy but not sympathy;
• Help with problem solving and development and practice of social skills;
• Assist the Core Member in developing appropriate support networks outside of the Circle;
• Help the Core Member recognise when they are thinking or behaving in ways that may make them more likely to offend;
• Encourage and reinforce positive ways of behaving;
• Be alert to manipulation, avoid collusion and seek support to manage such behaviour;
• Work individually and as part of a team.