Volunteer stories

"My name is Emma and I am a triage volunteer. My journey started after the new year, I wanted to get involved in something that was beneficial to my future and the lives of others. I was so excited when I got the call to say I had been accepted, Victim Support is an organisation very close to my heart.

So far, I have learned loads! The training I have been given has really boosted my knowledge and skills, not to mention my self-confidence. Volunteering makes you feel good. It helps, it matters. Getting involved in something that stimulates your passions is where you really find the most out of life.

Victim Support have been a fantastic start to my future and I look am looking forward to where this journey takes me!"

"I’m from Barnsley and I’ve been volunteering for Victim Support for six years I started volunteering because I wanted to help people who had experienced crime to get the support and information they needed.

When I first joined I completed four days of training and learned a huge amount about how to listen to people and talk to people The training gave me some real skills I could use to support people in my role.

I get great support from staff and know who to talk to if I need any help. Volunteer meetings are a great time for us volunteers to get together and find out about any changes, get updates and talk about our own experiences of volunteering.

I like that the volunteering I do is seen as a professional role. I know what is expected of me and I know what to expect from Victim Support.

I’ve met some great people and learned some brilliant skills. If you’re thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure if it’s right for you, just get in touch and ask!"

"I decided to volunteer for Victim Support whilst I was studying for my Masters in criminology. I had a particular interest in Victimology and whilst conducting research found that often the victim's voice was neglected.

I felt that I had theoretical knowledge but I wanted to put that into practice and to try to help someone who had been affected by crime. I looked online as to how I could do this and believed that volunteering with Victim Support was the best way.

I volunteered for Victim Support on and off for two and a half years before I got my job with the National Probation Service. During this time I was given opportunities to complete further training in Restorative Justice.

Volunteering with Victim Support gave me a sense of purpose, and kept me mentally stimulated. I believe the skills and knowledge I learnt during my time with Victim Support helped me to move into my new career with the National Probation Service, without this I wouldn't be where I am today."