How Netflix's Adolescence highlights vital service

Members of an "appropriate adult" volunteer scheme who support young and vulnerable people in police custody have praised the hit Netflix series Adolescence for shining a light on their work.

The Surrey Appropriate Adult Volunteer Scheme (SAAVS), which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, described the acclaimed four-part drama starring Stephen Graham as "important and amazing".

Safeguarding anyone in custody from the age of 10 to 17, along with vulnerable adults aged 18 and over, SAAVS say the service they provide is "stressful and challenging".

"We're here 24/7, 365 days a year and deal with everything from murder to shoplifting," said manager Jackie.

Created by writer Jack Thorne and actor Stephen Graham, Adolescence tells the tale of a 13-year-old boy (played by Owen Cooper) charged with the killing of a female classmate.

And, while Cooper's character in the show chooses his dad (Graham) to be his appropriate adult, Jackie points out this cannot always be the case.

Describing the series as "very challenging and moving", she described the role of SAAVS members as "being there for anyone in custody and helping them through the process".

"We're called on when that person's main carer can't be there for whatever reason, and that call can come 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," she said.

"It happens approximately 1,200 times annually and we deal with everything from murder to drugs issues, domestic abuse and shoplifting. Every case is different."

Jackie said the group was recruiting volunteers and added: "We are not social workers, don't give legal advice and aren't there to babysit.

"We make sure the individual detained understands what is happening, that their welfare is looked after and things are done fairly.

"It's a very challenging and stressful role, but our volunteers are great and are always willing to step up and support each other when necessary."

One such person is 72-year-old Sandra, who has been volunteering with SAAVS for four years.

She also thinks Adolescence succeeded in bringing "something very important in her life" to the attention of millions watching at home.

"That show started a very important discussion," she said.

"It was amazing and underlined the importance of the work we do and how essential it is that we're there."

Working with SAAVS across three custody suites throughout Surrey, Sandra added that she had seen "everything - some of it joyful, some sad" during her time.

"It's really rewarding work," she said.

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