Volunteering in Victim Support - a worthwhile commitment
Could you...
- Help victims of crime and their families to come to terms with the emotional and practical problems which follow crime?
- Visit victims in their own homes?
- Support witnesses attending court?
- Offer reassurance and emotional support?
- Provide information on police and court procedures?
- Help with insurance claims or advice in respect of criminal injuries compensation?
- Give crime prevention advice?
- Carry out basic administrative procedures?
- Promote the organisation and the role of the volunteer?
- Do all this in your spare time?
If you think you could then why not think about becoming a volunteer?
There are currently around 365 Community Volunteers and just over 200 Witness Service Volunteers throughout Greater Manchester, and last year they supported over 69,000 victims of crime and 23,000 witnesses attending court. These amazing volunteers are ordinary people who come from all walks of live, what makes them so special is that they give their time freely to support victims of and witnesses to crime in our community.
Through on-going training, support and experience gained, volunteers become committed and develop skills to support anyone who has been affected by crime. They:
- Have good communication skills, in particular listening skills
- Are open-minded and non-judgemental
- Have an ability to exercise confidentiality
- Are able to work within policies and procedures
- Promote equality and diversity
- Possess good interpersonal skills
- Have the ability to get on with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds
These skills can help you in your personal life and career outside Victim Support & Witness Service. You will be helping people affected by crime and making a contribution to your community.
We have several volunteering opportunities:
Victim Support Community Volunteers
Visit victims of crime in the community and help them deal with the impact of crime, by providing 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 in order to recover. People often need someone to talk to, whilst feeling anxious and vulnerable, who is prepared to listen and reassure them. Sometimes practical help is required, for instance assistance in completing insurance forms or criminal injuries compensation forms or advice on other agencies that can offer specialised services. We also offer assistance in identifying strategies to overcome the social/behavioural effects of crime and in certain circumstances we can arrange for extra security measures to be implemented.
We ask for a commitment of a minimum of two hours a week – the actual hours worked are flexible.
Witness Service Volunteers
Are based in the magistrates’ and crown courts and are able to give information and support to witnesses (prosecution and defence) and their families and/or supporters before, during and after the trial.
For many witnesses and victims going to court can be a frightening and bewildering experience. The Witness Service can provide someone to talk to in confidence, reassurance and emotional support. In order to deal with some of the anxieties faced by victims and witnesses we can arrange a familiarisation visit to the court prior to the trial to look around a courtroom and go through court procedure. On the day 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.
We ask for a commitment of a minimum of one full day a week.
Please note we do not always have vacancies in the Witness Service, please check with your local branch before submitting an application form.
Branch Support Group Members
Volunteers are needed to work at local branches to assist with duties such as networking with criminal justice agencies, fundraising and marketing activities, planning, recruiting other volunteers and providing financial advice.
Other Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to:
- Help in local branch offices with clerical and administrative work
- Help with fundraising including organising and participating in events
- Assist at promotional events promoting the service and recruiting other volunteers
- Help train oher volunteers
- Assist with IT, PC maintenance, database, web design and development
- Employ their practical skills fitting locks and helping with repairs after burglary
The hours are flexible to suit you.
Who do I contact if I would like to volunteer?
If you want to find out more about volunteering with Victim Support & Witness Service and check if we currently have vacancies, please contact your local branch before submitting your application.
We hope you decide that Victim Support & Witness Service is for you. We promise you won't look back!
Related Files
Role Description - Victim Support volunteer (PDF)