Singapore Prison Service - Befriender
Foster a mentoring relationship with an offender that begins in prison and continues after their release. You'll help prepare them for reintegration into society.
Last updated 1 February 2026
Singapore Prison Service welcomes passionate individuals to sign up as a befriender. The befriender service is given to befriendees - who may not have strong support from family nor positive peers.
As a befriender, you will foster a meaningful mentoring relationship with an offender that begins in prison and continues after their release, preparing them for reintegration into society.
You will be a part of a network of pro-social peers, including friends and mentors, to support the offender's reintegration efforts. Providing a positive peer influence can help prevent re-offending by allowing offenders to meet their social and other needs in lawful ways.
Key details
Commitment
Up to 10 months in Incare and continuing
on in Aftercare
Skills and interest
Befriending
Home Team Department
Did you know? Based on research, pro-social support and activities are important factors in helping a person stay away from committing an offence.
Who is eligible
We are looking for passionate individuals who are at least 21 years old and willing to befriend offenders and ex-offenders.
More about this scheme
What you'll do
The Community Befriending Project is divided into two phases: Incare (up to 10 months) and Aftercare. You need to commit for the full duration in this programme.
In the Incare phase, you can engage befriendees via face-to-face visits, letter writing, as well as phone calls.
In the Aftercare phase, you'll continue to provide a listening ear and moral support to help them adjust in the community.
Training
As a new volunteer, you will undergo Basic Prison Training to familiarise yourself with the prisons environment and the do’s and don't’s during your volunteering stint.
You will also be equipped with the skills and knowledge to conduct effective and purposeful sessions with your befriendees.
You can look forward to attending developmental courses certified by the Social Service Institute (SSI). These training opportunities will allow you to specialise in specific skills in volunteering and working with people.
Dialogue sessions
You will also be invited to attend regular dialogue sessions with prison staff supporting the institutions which you are based at.
The dialogue sessions allow the institution's staff and volunteers to discuss issues related to your volunteering stint.
Benefits and recognition
As a Home Team volunteer, you will be trained and supervised, working in partnership with regular officers in the execution of their duties. Our philosophy of involvement includes giving you the necessary orientation, ample opportunities for personal development, as well as awards and recognition for good service.
In appreciation of your contribution to rehabilitation efforts, volunteers are invited to attend an annual appreciation luncheon at the end of each year.
We also recognise the contributions of our volunteers with the Long Service award.
Find out more
For more information about this volunteer scheme, see the FAQs.
Contact us
Have a question? Contact us for any enquiries:
Community Partnership and Family Policy (CPFP) Branch
Email address: PRIS_Volunteers@pris.gov.sg
Phone: 6546 9539
Fax: 6546 2459