Volunteer
Join us in making a difference!
Scotland is a nation of kind and compassionate people. When times get tough, we rally around, stepping up when needed and looking out for one another—it's simply what we do. This spirit is ingrained in the core of Victim Support Scotland, where our team of volunteers embodies this ethos by offering guidance, emotional support, and practical assistance to anyone affected by crime, including victims, witnesses, and their families and friends.
As an independent charity powered by our volunteers, our mission is to support people from every corner of Scotland. We are on the lookout for more volunteers from all over the country to join us in continuing this essential work.
Who can apply?
Anybody between the ages of 18-85 located in Scotland can apply. We are flexible and can help you fit in your hours around student timetables, work, family, or personal commitments.
We extend a warm invitation to individuals from all walks of life and encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds, and minority and underrepresented groups.
Take the first step
Why volunteer with us?
You'll be providing practical and emotional support to people living in your local area when they need it most.
Our volunteering roles are diverse, catering to various skills and experiences. While many volunteers directly support people affected by crime in the community and court environment, our opportunities extend beyond these realms.
We aim to provide volunteering options that align with the skills and experiences of anyone interested in supporting our organisation. We don't expect you to have all the answers; the team here at Victim Support Scotland will be on hand to assist you and provide any training you may need.
I’m so glad I joined Victim Support Scotland as a volunteer. The experience I am getting here will help me build on my career goals of being a Criminal Lawyer and aiding people of the community.
Victim Support has been brilliant for me as a volunteer. It is an amazing organisation to be involved with and it is so flexible in terms of working round my university course and my work.
Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland is a win-win experience…People who are supported feel positive about the process and I certainly feel that I am doing something useful in volunteering.
Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland has given me experience and skills that will help me not only move forward in my academic career but also help me in navigating scenarios in my day-to-day life. I would recommend it to anyone who requires experience whilst at university.
A rewarding experience
Volunteering with Victim Support Scotland is both a challenge and an immensely rewarding experience. Here's what you can look forward to:
Collaboration
Work alongside like-minded individuals with a shared passion for social justice.
Community impact
Positively influence your community as a vital member of a team actively working to reduce the impact of crime.
Learning, experience and training opportunities
Acquire new skills, gain experience within the criminal justice sector, and access a variety of training courses tailored to your volunteering role.
Supporting people at a time of need:
Make a difference in the lives of individuals during their most challenging times, empowering them to recover and move forward.
Volunteer with us
If you can spare four hours a week, are a good listener who can put people at ease, have a caring and resilient nature, then please read on. You could help someone affected by crime to find a way to move forward.
Volunteer with usA variety of roles
There are two different role types available for our volunteers – you can either become a Support Volunteer or a National Support Centre Volunteer. If you're interested in volunteering with us, visit our volunteer application page here for more information.
National support centre volunteer
Our National Support Centre volunteers assist in running our helpline and webchat services, providing a safe space for victims, witnesses, or their families to talk about their experiences, ask questions and find further information.
As an NSC volunteer, you will hear about a number of issues from victims and witnesses who are looking for information about court processes, with others asking if we can help with safety or neighbourhood dispute issues. We often take calls from people who are victims of theft, cyber-bullying or assault, as well as those who may be in an abusive relationship and don’t know where to turn for help.
Support volunteer
Your role as a Support Volunteer includes providing emotional and practical support to service users. Volunteers discuss their needs, arranging court familiarisation visits, supporting during trials, and offering administrative assistance.
Key skills such as strong interpersonal communication, active listening, empathy, and an interest in the Criminal Justice System are essential for this impactful role. Embrace the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to a supportive community.
Helpline
0800 160 1985
Call our free support helpline from 8am – 8pm Mon-Fri, and 10am – 4pm Sat-Sun
Chat with us
Chat with our free support helpline from 8am – 8pm Mon-Fri, 10am – 4pm Sat-Sun