Volunteer’s Story 1

Volunteers for – Victim Support   

I joined Victim Support when I retired as I was not ready to sit and do nothing – rather I wanted to be able to help people who are struggling for whatever reason. Now – over 11 years later – I honestly don’t regret my action for one moment. 

Over the years, I have expanded my training to cover all forms of crime (including recent training to support victims of terror incidents) and have met some amazing people. I never cease to be impressed by the resilience that people show in the face of adversity.

My clients come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, who I always offer to meet on a face-to-face basis – my initial contact usually finds them struggling, hurt, and not knowing which way to turn. Given time, encouragement and a listening ear, they slowly move forward and upwards to arrive at a new normal for themselves.

Just today, a client said that she didn’t know where she would be if it hadn’t been for Victim Support.

I addition to direct support for victims of crime, I work as part of our team to engage local communities in delivering Personal Safety Workshops, meeting with local Parish Councils who generously support our work, and meeting, encouraging and guiding new volunteers as they find their feet within the service.

Victim Support is a charity that many people don’t want to know about until they need our services, and it so important that we are quickly available to support anyone who is affected by crime.

Would I recommend volunteering for Victim Support? YES, MOST DEFINITELY! The support that we are able to give means so much to the clients, and – in return – I get a real feeling of satisfaction and appreciation.