Become a Victim Support or Witness Service volunteer
Victim Support is an independent charity supporting victims and witnesses of crime.
It is the only national organisation dedicated to helping all victims, whatever crime they have suffered, whether it has been reported to the police, or when the incident happened. The services are free and confidential.
Victim Support helps over one and a half million people affected by crime every year. This support is given through a network of offices across England and Wales.
Volunteers are fundamental to the charity. There is something very special about local people giving up their time to help others within their own community and this is the essence of the organisation.
There are two key volunteer roles:
- Victim Service volunteers (who help victims of crime in the community)
- Witness Service volunteers (who help victims and witnesses at the courts)
Victim Service volunteers:
Victim Service volunteers who work in the community help victims to deal with the effects of crime. They give emotional support, information and practical help.
People react to crime in many ways. Although most victims don’t suffer long-term harm, both adults and children can be seriously affected and often need help to recover. People often need someone to talk to when they feel anxious and vulnerable – someone who is prepared to listen and reassure them.
Sometimes people need practical help, for instance with filling in forms for insurance or criminal injuries compensation. They may also need information about other agencies that can offer specialised services.
Victim Service volunteers usually commit to a minimum of two hours a week, but these hours are flexible.
Witness Service volunteers:
Witness Service volunteers are based in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. They give information and support to witnesses and their families and/or supporters before, during and after the trial.
Going to court can be a frightening and bewildering experience for many witnesses and victims. The Witness Service provides someone to talk to in confidence, and gives people reassurance and emotional support.
The service can arrange a familiarisation visit to the court ahead of the trial so that witnesses can have a look around and learn about court procedures. This helps many people to deal with some of their anxiety.
The Witness Service can provide a quiet place to wait before and after the hearing, and someone to accompany the witness into the court room when giving evidence.
Witness Service volunteers usually commit to a minimum of one full day a week.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with Victim Support should contact the Victim Support Area Office at:
Unit A19, Arena Business Centres, Holyrood Close, Poole, BH17 7FJ. Telephone 01202 606200 for an application form and information pack.