Supporting people during the coronavirus outbreak is challenging but worthwhile
Marie, a volunteer in South Lanarkshire, describes what she loves about volunteering and writes about the difficulties supporting people during the coronavirus lockdown.
I have volunteered with Victim Support Scotland in South Lanarkshire for seven years. After I retired, I worked at various volunteering posts, then I saw the advert for Victim Support Scotland and felt that it was something that I would find challenging and rewarding. I applied to volunteer and have never looked back.
I love the work I do as a volunteer as I can support, listen and guide victims of crime who, because of circumstances, need our service at that particular time. It is so inspiring when you are told that you have made a difference to someone by listening and not judging them and offering ongoing support if required.
I would certainly recommend Victim Support Scotland to anyone who is looking to volunteer as the development is great with ongoing training offered continually. Once you have completed your initial training, there is always support available as you help victims and witnesses which gives you confidence. My support coordinator is superb and has so much experience. She is always there to support me and help with anything that is worrying me.
The current coronavirus lockdown is affecting the people we support and the type of crimes which are referred to us. Speaking to a victim in person means I can make them feel relaxed before speaking about the crime. However, with the current lockdown measures, we cannot see the people we are supporting, and I am finding it difficult not speaking face to face. Talking to victims over the phone makes it much harder to connect with someone, especially when it is a rape case which is sensitive.
At a time when people are feeling isolated and unsure about what will happen with COVID-19, the support we are providing to people is extremely worthwhile. Lockdown measures make dealing with a crime even harder. A crime can majorly impact someone’s life, but it makes a difference knowing that, with everything happening right now, there is someone at the end of the phone who is interested and truly cares.
Latest news and blogs
-
Remote evidence suites
Victim Support Scotland receives £500,000 funding from Scottish Government for specialist remote evidence suites
Read more
-
Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Stage 1 debate
At today’s debate on Stage 1 of the Victim’s, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, we’re asking members of the Criminal Justice Committee to keep victims’ views at the heart of their decision-making. Read our briefing to MSPs:
Read more
-
Victims’ charity seeks support to uphold victims’ rights
Victim Support Scotland, Scotland’s leading national charity for victims, is urging MSPs to consider victim support and information needs in the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Bill as the debate of Stage 3 of the Bill approaches on 24 April.
Read more
-
Join Victim Support Scotland as a charity Trustee
Are you an exceptional leader, ambitious for change to improve victims’ and witnesses’ experiences of the criminal justice system? Leading charity VSS is looking for high calibre and committed professionals to join our Board of Trustees.
Read more
-
The importance of feedback
We always seek to hear from individuals affected by crime about their experiences with our services. This is crucial to ongoing learning and improvement within our work and in informing others about how our support can make a difference. We particularly encourage those who have experienced harm caused by children and young people under 18 to share their views.
Read more
-
Minister goes to court to learn about services for victims and witnesses
As part of Victims’ Awareness Week, Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown visited Edinburgh Sheriff Court for a familiarisation visit.
Read more
-
Bex’s story
Read more
-
Campaign launches to support more victims of crime – press release
Read more
-
Student Volunteering Week – Priya’s story
Read more
-
Student Volunteering Week – Anna’s story
Read more
-
Victim support organisations sign open letter calling for anonymity for children who die as a result of crime
Read more
-
Over 60 families bereaved by crime in Scotland sign open letter calling for change in law to protect child victims of murder
Read more