VICTIM SUPPORT APPEALS FOR VOLUNTEERS
Victims support appeals for volunteers
Victim Support is looking urgently for more volunteers as the demand for its services continues to rise year by year.
Gladys Wilkin who is Coordinator of the Erne, Strule and Clogher Valley Branch appealed: "We would very much like to hear from anyone in the Omagh area, or in the surrounding towns and districts who would be interested - it can be a very satisfying commitment helping people at a time when they are very vulnerable".
The Branch helped 1800 victims of crime last year, and the numbers at the beginning of this year strongly suggest the upward trend will continue. There are now 21 volunteers visiting victims in their own home, and Gladys Wilkin says there is an immediate record for another ten.
"We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life. They need to have a maturity and some life experience. They need to have an interest in people and a desire to help them."
The volunteers are given training and paid out of pocket expenses.
Victim Support first established a service in the Omagh area sixteen months ago with the help of funding from the European Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.
Those who are already being helped include victims of burglary and assault both of which have seen an increase in numbers recently of robbery, theft, criminal damage, intimidation, arson and armed robbery.
Last year, and still today, it has been deeply involved in trying to help those caught up in the Omagh bombing, and its volunteers have worked with more than 400 people.
Victim Support helps a person come to terms with the experience of being a victim.
As Gladys Wilkin said"Victims may feel helpless, frightened, angry, guilty or withdrawn. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone outside the family who knows how to help in crisis situations."
Victim Support also provides information on compensation and insurance matters, on home security or on court procedures.
The service is absolutely free.
Those who would be interested in finding out more about volunteering can ring Gladys Wilkin at (01365)322475.
Victim Support is looking urgently for more volunteers as the demand for its services continues to rise year by year.
Gladys Wilkin who is Coordinator of the Erne, Strule and Clogher Valley Branch appealed: "We would very much like to hear from anyone in the Omagh area, or in the surrounding towns and districts who would be interested - it can be a very satisfying commitment helping people at a time when they are very vulnerable".
The Branch helped 1800 victims of crime last year, and the numbers at the beginning of this year strongly suggest the upward trend will continue. There are now 21 volunteers visiting victims in their own home, and Gladys Wilkin says there is an immediate record for another ten.
"We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life. They need to have a maturity and some life experience. They need to have an interest in people and a desire to help them."
The volunteers are given training and paid out of pocket expenses.
Victim Support first established a service in the Omagh area sixteen months ago with the help of funding from the European Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.
Those who are already being helped include victims of burglary and assault both of which have seen an increase in numbers recently of robbery, theft, criminal damage, intimidation, arson and armed robbery.
Last year, and still today, it has been deeply involved in trying to help those caught up in the Omagh bombing, and its volunteers have worked with more than 400 people.
Victim Support helps a person come to terms with the experience of being a victim.
As Gladys Wilkin said"Victims may feel helpless, frightened, angry, guilty or withdrawn. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone outside the family who knows how to help in crisis situations."
Victim Support also provides information on compensation and insurance matters, on home security or on court procedures.
The service is absolutely free.
Those who would be interested in finding out more about volunteering can ring Gladys Wilkin at (01365)322475.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1222
Published Date: 25-Feb-99
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