Volunteering for the Victim Supportline

Diigo

People from London’s Black and minority ethnic communities are being called on to volunteer for Victim Support’s national telephone helpline

Victim Supportline took over 15,500 calls last year, but more than double that number went unanswered. More than half of all calls were related to violent crime.

Venetia, who volunteers for the Supportline says, “People call us about many different types of crime, including sexual violence, domestic violence and racially-motivated assaults, all of which have a terrible effect on them and their families. I hope this initiative will attract more men and women from different backgrounds, because that’ll reflect the wide range of the calls that we’re getting, and it'll help us to answer more of them.”

Graham Lewis, Victim Supportline manager says: “We’re very keen to recruit more people from all walks of life and communities, especially men and people who are fluent in languages such as Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi and Chinese. It takes courage to call a helpline, so it’s reassuring to be greeted by someone who can, literally, speak your language.

“Some victims are very angry when they call us and others are emotional or shocked into silence. We need volunteers who are patient, able to think quickly and clearly, and who don’t judge others.”

Nick Ross, BBC Crimewatch presenter says, “Victim Supportline provides a lifeline for victims of crime and witnesses, and those close to them. Every month on Crimewatch, we give out the number to make sure that anyone who’s been affected by crime – directly or indirectly – can get support and practical help.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering for the Victim Supportline can call 020 7896 3923 to ask for a volunteer information pack.

Diigo