In celebration of Volunteers Week, we have the privilege of spotlighting Billy, a dedicated volunteer whose journey with Prison Fellowship Scotland (PFS) spans back to its beginning! He is also on the board and regular volunteer in various prisons. Billy's candid reflections and dedication provide profound insights into the transformative power of volunteering within the prison community.

What inspired you to become a volunteer for PFS?

I was not inspired! I was invited to become a PF volunteer and could not say no because I immediately thought of the separation of the sheep and Goats in Matthew 25.

Could you share a memorable experience or story from your time volunteering with us?

The big thing for me is watching people slowly understand and come to faith and the noticeable change in behaviour.

How has volunteering impacted you personally and what lessons have you learned along the way?

Volunteering with PFS has considerably informed and deepened my faith. There can be no “hit and run approach.” The same people will be with you again next week and the week after. Also, I have learned to say to say I don’t know. We need more than a passing knowledge of our faith.

What has surprised you about volunteering with Prison Fellowship?

At a very early stage l learned that the men and women in prison were not scary. They were just people who had been caught making wrong choices.

How have you been challenged?

The work of volunteering in prison continues to be challenging. Understanding my faith and its biblical basis as a radically new lifestyle and being able to explain and expound scripture so that those who attend our groups can verify and access the information about Jesus from the biblical text.

In your opinion, what is the significance of volunteer work in creating positive change in the community?

Volunteering demonstrates faith by showing love and respect and joining in fellowship to understand and apply scripture. Being honest about our own journey of faith avoiding exaggeration for effect! That creates an attitude of openness and trust and our groups become a haven.

If the question is about the wider community, then PF volunteers provide a continuing link with society. They show a route to reconciliation and the fact that they do it voluntarily is a powerful reason for men and women in prison to engage.

What message or advice would you like to convey to others who may be considering volunteering?

It’s one of the best things I have ever done. Go to listen, go to learn, go to share. Don’t go to preach in a self-righteous fashion. Love and respect should also be our attitude to staff. Be grateful for the opportunity!

For Billy, volunteering with PFS has been a profoundly rewarding experience—one that emphasises the importance of listening, learning, and sharing with humility and respect. He encourages volunteers to approach their service with an open heart and a willingness to learn from others. Billy's insights offer a glimpse into the profound impact of volunteering within the prison community.

As we express our gratitude to Billy and all our volunteers during Volunteers Week, it is hard to ignore the transformative power of service and the invaluable role it plays in fostering compassion, understanding, and reconciliation.

We could not do what we do without our incredible volunteers! Thank you.