VOLUNTEERS at Chelmsford Prison's visitors' centre were thanked for their hard work at a Christmas party this week.
The centre, in the prison grounds in Springfield Road, is staffed by a team of 55 who ensure visitors are supplied with cups of tea and a sympathetic ear.
And the centre, which is the first port of call for people visiting their loved ones in the jail, is looking for more helpers to get involved.
Louise Duxbury, volunteer co-ordinator at the centre, said: "The Christmas party was really a way to say thank you to all of our volunteers.
"They do a fantastic job and the centre wouldn't be able to run without them."
And 37-year-old Louise, who started as a volunteer herself with the Ormiston Children & Families Trust, the charity responsible for running the centre, believes the volunteers play a significant role in easing any stresses that visitors may have.
She added: "It can sometimes be a really stressful and emotional time for people visiting their loved ones and the volunteers make the experience so much easier by just offering sympathy.
"The volunteers are really essential to the running of the centre, they help with the children's play area, run the tea bar and greet visitors as they arrive, making sure everything runs smoothly.
"The support they give to families affected by imprisonment is invaluable; keeping them connected and helping to reduce the children's emotional stress who visit as well."
And, at the party, each volunteer was presented with a Christmas card and box of chocolates to say thank you for their dedication.
Helen Lewis, 75, from Coggeshall, has been volunteering at HMP Chelmsford visitor centre for 15 years.
She said: "Because we all volunteer on different days we don't often have the chance to meet each other, so I was really looking forward to seeing everyone all together.
"They're such a nice, friendly bunch of people.
"I've been volunteering at Chelmsford for a long time, and the difference the staff and volunteers make to a family's visit is huge."
But the visitor centre is always keen for more volunteers to help out.
Louise added: "You must be over 18 to volunteer but really you must just enjoy being with people and be a good listener – we've a great team and everyone is so friendly.
"If anyone wants to volunteer, I'd ask them just to give me a call on 01245 552 452."
