CoPPer project – Transnational Training Event: DGRSP and Aproximar lead an inspiring Training in Lisbon

This transnational event was organized by Direção-Geral de Reinserção e Serviços Prisionais (DGRSP) in cooperation with Aproximar – Cooperativa de Solidaeriedade Social. As coordinating partner, CEP proudly supported this three-day programme that explored the transformative role of volunteers in probation systems.

The event brought together Volunteers in Probation, Probation practitioners, researchers, and institutional representatives to share national perspectives, good practices, and strategies for integrating volunteers into probation services. The training had engaging workshops, expert panels, and live experiences sessions

One of the standout moments was the Online Forum on Probation Volunteering, where speakers from Austria; Stephanie Mayerhofer (NEUSTART, AU), Japan; Naoki Tanaka (UNA and UNAFEI) and the UK; Stephen Pitts (CEP Ambassador) unpacked the global challenges and benefits of involving volunteers in probation. Sessions throughout the event promoted knowledge exchange, co-creation, and inspiration, showing that volunteer involvement isn’t just an add-on but a cornerstone of modern and more empathetic and humane justice systems.

The programme of this 3-days event also included a presentation of the Grupo Nabeiro – Delta Café, a local project that explored how cross-sector collaboration can foster inclusion and build stronger communities.

This training marked a significant step in strengthening volunteer involvement in probation across Europe. By fostering shared learning and building a common understanding among professionals and volunteers, the CoPPer project is not only enriching national practices but also shaping a more cohesive and inclusive European approach to community-based justice. The momentum generated in Lisbon will continue to influence policy and practice well beyond the event itself.

CEP is proud to coordinate this Erasmus+ project and support this training event. The event showed not only how far we’ve come, but also how much more we can achieve together by empowering people, sharing knowledge, and working across borders for a fairer, more supportive justice landscape.

The CoPPer project (Cooperation to Promote a European Volunteering Programme in Probation Services) aims to promote the active engagement of citizens, civil society, and social partners in the social inclusion of people who have committed crimes. By training volunteers to provide informal support, advice, and guidance to probationers, CoPPer seeks to enhance community participation as a vital element in supporting probation staff and facilitating the social reintegration of offenders.

For more information about the CoPPer project, visit www.copper-initiative.com