Thanks to a generous grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Friends of the Cotswolds are excited to bring children's programming back to the Old Prison. We are launching learning session-trials and are currently taking applications for volunteers to lead and/or assist our sessions. All training will be provided, as well as funds for DBS checks. The topics of our sessions are Crime and Punishment, Rural Life, and The Agricultural Revolution. The sessions will be limited to one classroom at a time and split into groups. 

We are looking for volunteers who are enthusiastic to work directly with children, but will also have places for volunteers to work "behind the scenes" on materials maintenance or development. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in your community, protect heritage and build confidence in children.  

The Old Prison is recruiting history enthusiasts to lead brief tours at the Prison. We will provide all training and we will have flexible time periods to suit your schedule. We invite you to be part of the team that highlights just how important the Old Prison was to not only local history, but also to the history of crime and punishment the world over. 

The new Community Wellbeing Garden at the Old Prison is taking shape. We are looking for volunteers to join us in the creation of this wonderful asset for the Old Prison and the community. Full training provided. Please get in touch to find out how you can join our team of garden volunteers. 

The Old Prison is entering a new phase of continued heritage protection and management. Be part of inspiring the next generation of heritage enthusiasts. We are looking for volunteers to help deliver outreach sessions to rural settings and to populations who may have difficulties getting to the prison (schools, clubs, care homes etc). We need volunteers who have clean driving records with transport for an additional staff member or volunteer, and space for materials. This position may include some light lifting of boxes containing activities or materials. All training will be provided. 

The Old Prison is looking for volunteers for our exciting new project recording memories of the Old Prison from the past. Working with Gloucestershire Archives and our team a the Old Prison, volunteers will be supported and trained in interview techniques and planning. Following completion of the interviews, volunteers will work together with the project team to create snippets of the interviews for use on our website and on site for visitors to listen to. 

Full training is provided. Please get in touch about joining this exciting heritage project. 

The Old Prison is looking for volunteer stewards to host small tables of artefacts, or to interact with patrons around the prison and farm equipment collections. Training will be provided so come along to learn and teach and inspire!