'It's the best volunteering opportunity I've ever had' 

Over 2,000 vulnerable people have been supported in police custody thanks to the ‘Appropriate Adults’ service in West Yorkshire.

Eighty three percent were assisted by volunteers, who ensure their rights are protected and that they receive fair treatment when detained or questioned as suspects of a crime.

Commissioned by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and run by Restorative Solutions, their essential work was celebrated at a special event held in Leeds during national Volunteers' Week.

And the service is always on the lookout for more people to get involved, with one current volunteer from the Wakefield district telling the event it had been the 'best volunteering opportunity I've ever had'.

She told the audience she had 'got so much out of the role because I've put so much into it' and not to underestimate the impact they have and will continue to make.

Meanwhile Diane and Shireen are friends who both volunteer as Appropriate Adults.

Diane said: "I got involved because I'd retired and had some time on my hands and just thought it's nice to be able to do something with a few hours' spare that you have every week and just give back and help support people at a difficult time." 

Shireen added: "Our involvement as Appropriate Adults has meant that the length of time that vulnerable adults spend in custody suites has been reduced considerably so that's a real benefit to us going in."

Of the roughly 100 active volunteers, 4 have completed over 100 shifts and 5 have clocked in more than 50 shifts.

To date the Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has invested £360,000 in the service. 

Alison Lowe, West Yorkshire's Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said:

"It's fantastic to celebrate all the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers.

"They really do play a vital role in the criminal justice system by speaking up for the rights and welfare of vulnerable adults when they're taken into police custody.

"If you have a few hours spare each week, please get in touch and help us create a safer, fairer West Yorkshire."

Kate Brooksbank, associate director, Restorative Solutions, said:

"The event was a great opportunity to celebrate the excellent work and commitment from our volunteers who make such a difference to the lives of those vulnerable adults who are in police custody."

For more information, visit Restorative Solutions' website, email appropriateadult@restorativesolutions.org.uk or call 07961 917189.