Volunteers needed

Victim Support Cumbria an integral part of the Multi Agency Problem Solving Unit (MAPS) based in the Civic Centre, Carlisle, is seeking volunteers to help with its crucial work of Victim Support. We offer help to around one and a half million people affected by crime each year and we could not do this without our 10,000 local volunteers. Anyone over the age of 18 can become a Victim Support Volunteer.

We at Victim Support Cumbria believe that victims of crime have five basic rights:

• to receive respect, recognition and support
• to receive information and an explanation about the progress of their case. Victims should also have the chance to explain the financial, physical and emotional effects of the crime and this information should be considered whenever decisions are made about their case
• to be protected in any way necessary
• to receive compensation
• to be free of the burden of decisions relating to the offender.

How can you help?

Community-based volunteering where local volunteers are trained to give emotional support, information and practical help to people who have suffered the effects of all kinds of crime - from burglary to the murder of a relative. Volunteers normally visit people in their homes and help by allowing them to talk through their feelings about the crime. Volunteers also give information about any practical and personal issues, and help victims find their own ways to overcome the effects of the crime. If you are interested in this kind of work, you need to be available for at least two hours a week, although actual hours can be flexible and can include weekends and evenings.

Witness Service volunteering

Going to court can be a stressful and bewildering experience, both for the victim and their families, and for witnesses called to give evidence. Witness Service volunteers give emotional support and practical information to people attending court. The work includes: offering witnesses a chance to visit the court before giving evidence; explaining court procedures; accompanying a victim or witness into the courtroom, and giving the chance to talk over the case when it has ended. To volunteer for the Witness Service, you need to be available on working days (Monday to Friday) for at least two full days a month.

Other ways of helping

You can help victims of crime in other ways, such as helping with the running of our offices, or assisting with publicity, fundraising, IT or interpreting.

What do I have to do to become a Victim Support volunteer?

We have to carry out some basic checks to help ensure the safety of the people we work with, and our staff. Everyone who wants to volunteer to support victims and witnesses must give references and declare any criminal convictions they may have (both spent and unspent). We will also carry out a police check. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude you from volunteering and the selection panel will carefully consider every person on their own merits.

What training is needed?

You do not need any qualifications to become a Victim Support or Witness Service volunteer. Victim Support believes that many people have within them the ability to help victims and witnesses of crime. All volunteers involved in supporting victims and witnesses are given basic training, which increases their awareness of the effects of crime; develops their listening skills; and provides relevant practical information, for example about police and court procedures.

Quotes

Mary Robinson Chair of Carlisle & Eden CDRP said: "Vicitm Support and partners are committed to making a difference to the lives of the victims of crime, by addressing the issues that matter to them, by providing reassurance and help to ensure people’s problems are addressed.’’

Cllr Judy Prest portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing said

‘‘ Victim Support provides victims and witnesses, with information about the criminal justice system and also deals with some of the practical issues they may face, for example, getting compensation, crime prevention, health and housing problems, claiming on insurance or getting help with benefits as part of the Victim’s Charter.’’