VOLUNTEERS are needed in Dorset for a scheme which aims to hold convicted sex offenders to account and radically reduce re-offending.

The Circles of Support and Accountability scheme operates nationwide and was first launched in 2002.

Circles South West is extending its scheme and needs new volunteers.

Jo Burden, Circles South West’s project director, said: “Our volunteers do something amazing, they protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from sexual harm.

“They do this by providing a circle of support and accountability which both monitors and supports sexual offenders in their community.”

Most sexual offenders are released back into the community. Circles provides a circle of support, where four or five volunteers are trained, supported and supervised by professionals, who meet regularly with the offender.

Circles support the offender and hold them to account by challenging attitudes and behaviours that signal a risk to the community. Any concerns are reported to the appropriate authority and acted upon.

Volunteers come from all walks of life but must be non-judgemental, emotionally stable and approachable people who have a mature outlook.

To volunteer email info.

circlessw@gmail.com or call 01202 200258.