Unit 3 Park View Court, St Paul’s Road, Shipley, West Yorkshire BD18 3DZ
Our work directly supports victims of crime, empowering them to move beyond what happened to them by giving emotional and practical support.
About the Organisation
Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We provide specialist help to support people to cope and move on to the point where they feel they are back on track with their lives. Our support is free and confidential. We’re an independent charity and people can contact us for support regardless of whether they've contacted the police, and no matter how long ago the crime took place.
As a volunteer, you will:
Help victims and witnesses of crime to explore how their experience of has affected their lives, increase confidence and resilience and reduce the risk of them becoming a victim of crime again.
Contact victims of crime and helping them to overcome the effects of crime, via face to face or telephone support.
Work to identify the service user’s individual needs and help them to choose options they feel are right for them.
Promote and advocate for the service user’s rights and needs with other agencies, respect their diversity and ensure that the service is accessible for each individual.
Arrange practical help for victims and witnesses in West Yorkshire.
Advise them on the Criminal Justice System and helping them to navigate through it.
Identify situations where Victim Support cannot directly meet the needs of victims; signpost and make appropriate referrals to other organisations.
Send in reports to the line manager to keep records up to date.
What are we looking for?
What will you get from us?
Essential skills, qualities and experience.
Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills
Non-judgmental and empathic approach
Ability to communicate via telephone and face to face
Ability and willingness to travel across West Yorkshire
It's desirable but not essential to have knowledge of the criminal justice system
As a Volunteer in West Yorkshire you will:
Receive training and induction in to your role,
Work on all crime types,
Become trauma informed,
Learn about the work of criminal justice agencies,
Progress by specialising in specific crime types (e.g. Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence, Hate Crime, Children and Young People, Homicide and Road Death, and Major Incident.).
Take part in Community Engagement and networking opportunities,
Be able to attend local volunteer team meetings,
Attend Annual Milestone Awards.
When do we need you?
Additional Requirements
For volunteer enquiries please contact Lemise Zeitoun on 01274 532216 or lemise.zeitoun@victimsupport.org.uk
