More volunteers needed

For victims of a serious crime or trauma, the services provided by Victim Support can be a lifeline.

Maria Grant, one of two service co-ordinators for Victim Support in Taranaki, says with only one "active volunteer" servicing the Central Taranaki area, the organisation needs more volunteers to meet the growing needs.

Maria says these important community volunteers provide support to victims of crime or trauma as well as providing information on Victims' Rights, advocacy, referrals to other services and court support.

"However, with very few volunteers and high case loads the organisation is in need of extra hands who are reliable, consistent, dependable and trustworthy," says Maria.

Would be volunteers are required to complete a comprehensive initial training programme.

"Victim Support volunteers are highly valued and we place great importance in providing support through appropriate ongoing training, debriefing and supervision, throughout the year."

As well as the great learning opportunity, Maria says that being a volunteer is a great way to help your local community as well as work with a wonderful team of people.

To volunteer, Maria says you don't need any sort of qualification or experience. "Victim Support volunteers come from all walks of life, men and women of all ages, cultures and life stages who have chosen to be there for people facing a difficult situation."

Victim Support are running training for new volunteers in November and information about how you can volunteer can be found on www.victimsupport.org.nz