Charity appeals for Caithness volunteers to support people affected by crime

Scotland’s national charity supporting people affected by crime is searching for Caithness volunteers to help victims and witnesses.

Victim Support Scotland (VSS) is on the lookout for anyone who can offer at least four hours per week and feels they can make a difference. Volunteers will provide vital emotional and practical support to the people who need it most in their own community.

James Whyte, head of volunteering at VSS, said: “Our volunteers are vital to the work we do. Without them, there would be many people dealing with the impact of crime who we simply wouldn’t be able to support. The relationships VSS volunteers build with the individuals and families they work with are lifelines and can have a truly transformational impact.”

VSS is an independent charity that provides a range of bespoke, trauma-informed personal support to individuals and families dealing with the impact of any type of crime in Scotland. This may involve providing advice during visits to Wick Sheriff Court, to help demystify the process, providing emotional support, signposting specialist or professional services or simply being there to listen. All support is geared towards helping people find a way forward and to move on from trauma.

Volunteers are essential to VSS and can have a transformative impact on victims and witnesses. Due to the level of training and the kind of support required, as well as the need to build strong and lasting relationships, VSS is looking for people who plan to volunteer for a minimum of one year. However, VSS offers flexible options to suit a broad range of lifestyles and are keen to speak to anyone who can offer at least four hours per week.

Once signed up, new volunteers will be fully supported, receiving in-depth training over 12 weeks to ensure they have the skills and resources they need.

“Being affected by crime is often one of the most challenging and traumatic things a person will deal with in their life,” added James.

“Providing the right support at the right time is crucial to helping victims and witnesses move forward with their lives. We always aim to do whatever we can to ease concerns and anxieties, and offering comfort and hope to people in their own community is a big part of that. Having volunteers who know the region and can meet up in person, where appropriate, makes a huge difference.

“VSS is an inclusive organisation and we encourage anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch as we push towards supporting even more people affected by crime in Scotland.”

For more information on Victim Support Scotland’s volunteer recruitment campaign and volunteering opportunities, go to: www.victimsupport.scot/volunteertoday

VSS services are provided in communities, high courts, and sheriff courts through seven ‘localities’; a National Support Centre providing a telephone helpline and online chat; and the Support For Families Bereaved by Crime service.