The Power of Presence: Befriending in Correctional Work
Learn how to support offenders meaningfully through empathy, active listening, and boundaries without trying to fix, counsel, or carry the burden.
Upcoming Run: 20th Jun 2026
Upcoming Run: 20th Jun 2026
The Power of Presence: Befriending in Correctional Work
SPS-003-BF
$0.00
Duration: 16.00 hours
Upcoming Run: 20th Jun 2026
Sign Up nowCourse Fees & ScheduleWhat is it about?
What if just showing up fully present, non-judgmental, and steady was enough?
Do you worry about crossing a line, or getting too emotionally involved?
As a befriender, your presence is the power. This module equips you to build supportive, respectful relationships without stepping outside your role. Learn to hold space, listen deeply, and stay grounded - even in emotionally intense moments.
What Is This Module About?
The Power of Presence is an 8-hour face-to-face training designed to help volunteers understand what it truly means to “befriend” in a correctional context.
Through reflective activities, practical listening exercises, and insights from lived experience, you’ll learn how to:
Build trust through empathy and silence, not advice
Hold conversations that feel safe, not pressured
Recognise when support is becoming over-engagement
Respond to emotional sharing within your scope
Care for yourself while supporting others
You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and the communication skills to make a meaningful difference by simply being present, not perfect.
How This Course Makes A Difference?
Correctional befriending is not about fixing, it’s about showing up.
This course grounds you in relational support that’s ethical, sustainable, and person-centred. You’ll learn how to be a steady, compassionate presence for those navigating difficult chapters without overextending or overstepping.
Understand the Role of a Befriender
Clarify the difference between befriending, counselling, and casework and why that distinction matters.
Practise Deep, Empathic Listening
Use reflective techniques and presence-focused tools to build real connection without rushing to respond or solve.
Respond Without Overstepping
Learn how to hold emotional space without giving advice, correcting, or crossing into therapist territory.
Recognise Red Flags and Role Confusion
Spot signs of dependency, over-engagement, and emotional overload and know when to pause or raise concerns.
Learn from Lived Experience
Hear directly from a former inmate what made volunteer support feel helpful and what crossed the line.
Care for Yourself While Helping Others
Discover how to manage emotional load, protect your boundaries, and sustain your role over time.
Who is it for?
Ready to Guide Real Change Through Conversation?
Whether you're walking with someone through incarceration, recovery, or reintegration, this module helps you show up with empathy, clarity, and compassion without trying to fix or save. Learn what it means to hold space with integrity, and why your presence matters more than your words.
Volunteers in Correctional and Community Settings
Whether you serve in prison, halfway houses, or through reintegration efforts, this module deepens your understanding of relationship-based support and healthy emotional boundaries.
Aftercare Befrienders & Peer Supporters
Equip yourself with tools to build trust, listen with care, and sustain your role through clear boundaries and reflective practice.
Mentors, Coaches, and Facilitators
If you guide or walk alongside others through life challenges, this module gives you the language and grounding to stay effective, present, and safe.
Correctional Officers, In-Care Partners
Learn how presence and non-judgement create space for transformation while ensuring professional distance and clarity of role.
Community Volunteers Supporting Offenders
Build confidence in early rapport-building, first contact support, and maintaining healthy engagement even in emotionally heavy situations.
Mental Wellness & Behavioural Health Advocates
This course supports those championing mental wellness by offering practical, respectful frameworks that encourage lasting change.
Why Learn with Us
Hands-On & Practical
We believe the best learning happens by doing. Our courses are highly experiential packed with real-life case studies, role-plays, and interactive group work. You won’t just sit through slides; you’ll practise the skills that matter.
Learn from the Best
Our trainers are experienced practitioners, not just facilitators. They’ve walked the talk and brought wisdom from the field, not just the textbook. Learn from people who’ve been there and are here to help you grow.
Fun, Safe & Engaging
Learning should feel energising. We foster a warm, inclusive environment where you're encouraged to ask, reflect, laugh, and learn, all while building supportive relationships with fellow participants.
Backed by Research
Every course is grounded in evidence-based practices from psychology, social work, education, and communication science. You get practical tools that work not just trendy jargon.
Designed for Real Life
Our content is real-world-ready. Whether you're navigating tough conversations at home, supporting others in your role, or developing your own mindset, what you learn is instantly applicable.
Lifelong Learning Community
When you join us, you join a movement. All alumni get access to follow-up events, peer circles, and exclusive learning spaces. You stay connected, supported, and part of something bigger long after the course ends.
Meet your trainers
Gopal Mahey
Senior Counsellor | Reintegration Advocate | Volunteer
Gopal Mahey is a counsellor with over 10 years’ experience supporting individuals in correctional work, reintegration, and recovery. A Clinical Member of SAC, he blends professional expertise with lived experience to bring deep empathy and authenticity to his work. Known for his grounded, honest style, Gopal creates safe, reflective spaces that support real growth across counselling, facilitation, and training.
- •Senior Counsellor
How will the course run?
📌 Course Access Information
This is a 1-day in-person training conducted face-to-face at:
Blended Concept Pte Ltd
Grantral Mall
601 MacPherson Road, #03-11
Singapore 368242
📞 For directions or support, please contact Ally at allynna@blendedconcept.com.
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-09-19 | 09:00 | 17:00 | Face-to-Face |
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-20 | 09:00 | 17:00 | Face-to-Face |
Course Fees
| Course Structure | Fee (Net Fee after training grant subsidy) |
|---|---|
| Free (Sponsored by Singapore Prison Service)This course is complimentary for volunteers and staff from partner organizations of the Singapore Prison Service. | Free |