Rehabilitation Programme Support - Wellington

Prison Programme Support – Arohata and Rimutaka

Join Freedom Philosophy Society as a Volunteer and help us deliver highly practical philosophy and easy to follow tools for life programmes inside New Zealand’s prisons.    You’ll join a small team of volunteers who, with the help of our FPS programme, are guiding incarcerated people to make life changes and live better, wiser lives.    

Freedom Philosophy Society is a charitable (not for profit) incorporated organisation of volunteers. We deliver innovative philosophy courses into New Zealand’s prisons to make a meaningful difference.

Your role:

• Attending in-prison sessions weekly as part of a team to facilitate small groups, 

• Offering calm, consistent presence and support

• Supporting programme facilitators as needed

• Reflecting, listening, and encouraging students during sessions

About Us:

The Freedom Philosophy Society is an independent ‘not-for-profit’ volunteer organisation. 

Please visit our website

We run an innovative programme of tailor-made easy to follow practical philosophy courses inside prisons for prisoners to help them to improve their lives and rehabilitate into society.  The courses draw on internationally recognised philosophy materials, modified to suit the prison environment. With application and practice, students can begin to develop and use inner wisdom to guide them towards a true and more meaningful life. These courses are rated very highly by Volunteers and incarcerated students.

About you:

• Mature with life experience, possibly recently retired, willing to help others learn and improve

• Calm and emotionally grounded, consistent and reliable,

• Excellent listener, non-judgmental, and able to work in a team and follow procedures

• Comfortable in structured environments and sensitive situations

• Open minded, and maybe even a little Philosophically curious

The impact:

Your presence can make a powerful difference. By showing up, you help create a safe and affirming space where transformation begins. This is deeply meaningful work, and these sessions aim to reduce re-offending by nurturing inner healing and self-responsibility.

Benefits:

• Deep personal growth – our volunteers say they gain so much from these programmes.

• A rare and meaningful opportunity to contribute to systemic change in Society

• Learning from experienced tutors and a highly respected  programme rooted in compassion and clarity

 Time commitment:

Ideally, 2-3 hours per week, though we can work around your availability. You’ll attend scheduled weekly prison sessions and preferably commit to a minimum of 6 months for consistency.

Training and support:

Volunteers receive training and guidance on prison protocols and are fully supported through their journey. ++No prior experience is required++. What matters most is your supportive presence and ongoing commitment.

How to get involved:

You’ll need to complete a short application, participate in a kōrero, and undergo standard vetting for prison access.

Email us at: [email protected]

FPS currently operate in 8 NZ prisons and are due to start in another 2 soon. 

Message for applicants

It is highly advisable that volunteers first check out our website so that you are well informed about our work.