Our volunteers give emotional support, information and practical help to people who have been affected by all kinds of crime including burglary and assault. Following further training and experience with us you then have the option to broaden the range of cases you deal with to include domestic abuse, young victims and sexual assault.As a Victim Support volunteer, you will be fully supported through your training to your first meeting with a victim, to when you feel comfortable to support victims by yourself. You will be allocated a manager to provide you with ongoing support and supervision.We can help you to develop new skills and give you new opportunities and experiences.
These include:
- Playing a key role in your community
- Supporting people in need
- Meeting new people
You don’t need qualifications or previous experience of this kind of work to volunteer for Victim Support. All you need is willingness to help and a little time.
We look for the following skills, experience and personal qualities:
- Able to commit to our mandatory four day core training for new volunteers.
- A caring, mature and supportive empathy towards others.
- A non-judgmental, impartial and confidential approach to supporting others.
- A commitment to ensuring victims have equal access to our services.
- Friendly, reliable, approachable and a confident team player.
- Good listening and verbal communication skills.
- Respect for the diversity of our colleagues and clients.
- Basic IT skills suitable for accessing our webpages, e-learning and emails.
- Willing to work within our values, procedures and policies.
Practical considerations
Due to our commitment to you in terms of training we ask that you are able to commit to at least 12 months as a volunteer and to 3-4 hours per week (inclusive of travel time). You will be required to travel locally to meet clients. Victim Support will reimburse you for travel expenses incurred in volunteering for us.
This opportunity is available to all applicants aged 18 and over. A criminal record (DBS) check will be required and references.
We welcome volunteers from every walk of life and from every community.
For more information please visit www.victimsupport.org.uk