Sharon - Court Duty Probation Officer
Why did you decide to become a Community Champion?
It would benefit me and of course those on Probation, if I was able to update them on any support available within health and social care services, but most importantly to give them that bit of hope to carry on. I can also pass on information about the struggles those on probation face.
How does your role help people in South Tees?
I help those who are struggling in life. Often searching for answers just to give these people hope and to gain their trust so that they do complete the sentence Court has given them and to encourage them to lead a better law abiding life.
Things like, been homeless, not registered with doctors or dentists, food bank information, issuing food bank vouchers, no address/phone which means Probation not able to contact them. Many need showers, sleeping bags and more importantly someone to talk to. I see many who struggle with their mental health and are unable to ‘ask’ for support. Some have difficulty understanding the English language or are being supported by the Home Office. They seem to be waiting for such a long time for answers and are not permitted to work, to volunteer or attend college.
