Volunteer with Us

Singapore Prison Service partners with community organisations to provide structured befriending support for inmates. The befriending programme complements rehabilitation efforts by enhancing an individual’s social capital, which research identifies as a key factor in reducing re-offending and supporting successful reintegration.

Positive social support can influence post-release outcomes. However, many ex-offenders return to antisocial peers that may not encourage change. The befriending programme offers an alternative support system by pairing inmates with trained volunteers who offer guidance and steady support through their rehabilitation journey.

Befrienders stay in contact through e-letters, phone calls or face-to-face sessions, and can:

•               Build rapport and establish a stable point of contact

•               Role-model positive attitudes, values and behaviours

•               Provide perspectives beyond existing peer influences

•               Support prosocial decision-making and community reintegration

Pro-social modelling is commonly used in correctional work. It focuses on guiding behaviour through everyday interactions and introducing healthier social networks. Over time, this support may help reduce isolation, improve coping skills, and promote long-term change.

Benefits

By volunteering with SPS Volunteer - Befriender, you will:

·      Contribute directly to the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates - By equipping inmates with relevant skills and knowledge, you can support and motivate them in their rehabilitation and reintegration journey.

·      Grow in empathy and self-awareness - Working with inmates offers a unique opportunity to understand diverse life stories and challenges. This experience fosters empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence — helping you grow and strengthening your ability to connect meaningfully with others.

·      Develop valuable skills and connections - Through your volunteer journey, you’ll have opportunities to work with other volunteers and interact with staff from Singapore Prison Service. You’ll build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while connecting with a community of people dedicated to making a difference.

What Do SPS Secular Volunteers Do?

As an SPS volunteer, you will contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates by facilitating non-religious skills training and workshops. Your role will involve providing inmates with essential life skills and personal development opportunities. Volunteer activities include:

·      Skills Training and Workshops – Facilitate programmes such as anger and emotion management, financial planning and public speaking. These workshops help inmates develop prosocial values and prepare for their reintegration into society.

·      Enrichment Programmes – Lead or assist in activities such as art therapy, facilitate skills training and reading clubs, which foster personal growth and positive engagement.

·      Academic Tutoring – Tutor inmates preparing for their national examinations (G.C.E. 'N', 'O', and 'A' Levels). Support them in their weakest subjects, provide mentorship and help them achieve academic success.

·      Family-Based Activities – Participate in programmes aimed at strengthening family bonds and support networks which are  crucial elements in ensuring successful reintegration.

Why Join the SPS Secular Volunteer Programme?

Volunteering with SPS offers a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on rehabilitation and reintegration efforts in Singapore:

·      Create tangible impact – Help equip inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful integration. Your involvement helps them become responsible, contributive citizens, reducing recidivism and strengthening community safety.

·      Grow through meaningful experiences – Volunteering provides you with the chance to connect with diverse individuals and gain insights into their unique life stories. This experience fosters empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence, helping you grow while making a meaningful difference.

·      Build valuable skills and connections – Work alongside other volunteers and interact with Singapore Prison Service staff. Develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Expand your network within a community committed to change.

At Singapore Prison Service, we partner with faith-based organisations to provide counselling on a voluntary basis.

As a volunteer, you can be involved in one of the organisations partnering with Singapore Prison Service to conduct religious counselling sessions for inmates to address the inmates’ spiritual needs and enhance their desire towards desisting. You will make a difference by helping inmates adopt pro-social values and develop a pro-social network which would contribute to their successful reintegration upon their release.

By volunteering with SPS, you will:

·      Contribute directly to the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates - By equipping inmates with relevant skills and knowledge, you can support and motivate them in their rehabilitation and reintegration journey.

·      Grow your empathy and self-awareness - Working with inmates offers a unique opportunity to understand diverse life stories and challenges. This experience fosters empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence, helping you grow personally and strengthening your ability to connect meaningfully with others.

·      Develop valuable skills and connections - Through your volunteer journey, you’ll have opportunities to work with other volunteers and interact with staff from Singapore Prison Service. You’ll build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while connecting with a community of people dedicated to making a difference.

What Do YRCP Volunteers Do?

The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) recognises that incarceration affects not just inmates, but their entire families. Many families face hardship even before their loved ones are incarcerated. The Yellow Ribbon Community Project (YRCP) mobilises community support to help these families overcome these challenges and emerge stronger.

As a YRCP volunteer, you will:

·      Provide timely outreach – Engage family members of newly admitted inmates through phone calls and home visits as well as offer crucial support during this challenging period.

·      Connect families to resources – Help link families with agencies such as Family Service Centres, Social Service Organisations or resources from grassroots divisions for further support.

·      Journey alongside families – Serve as prosocial support for families and help build a community where we look out for one another.

Why join the YRCP?
Volunteering with YRCP provides opportunities to:

·      Make a meaningful difference in your community – You play a vital role in helping families navigate one of their most challenging periods.

·      Connect with your community – You build connections with like-minded individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

·      Contribute to a more inclusive Singapore – By supporting families impacted by incarceration and championing second chances, you help build a more inclusive and compassionate society.

• What Do SPS Volunteer Case Officers (VCO) Do?

  A Volunteer Case Officer (VCO) supports inmates emplaced on community-based programmes by working closely with Singapore Prison Service (SPS).

  Your role involves providing case management and prosocial support to inmates under your supervision (“supervisees”) and help coach and motivate them in their reintegration journey.

  Why Join SPS as a VCO?

  Volunteering with SPS as a VCO will allow you to:

  ·      Create a meaningful impact in the lives of others – Your work in providing case management and prosocial support directly contributes to the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and supervisees. You help supervisees rebuild their lives and stay crime-free.

  ·      Grow in empathy and self-awareness - Working with inmates and supervisees offer a unique opportunity to learn and understand diverse life stories and challenges. This experience fosters empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence – helping you grow individually and strengthening your ability to connect meaningfully with others.

  ·      Develop valuable skills and connections - Through your volunteer journey, you will work with like-minded volunteers and the Singapore Prison Service staff. This experience helps you build effective communication and problem-solving skills while working with a community dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.