The people who help children here face the ordeal of giving evidence in court

Taking the stand can be daunting for young people who have been victims of crime, but they are not alone. As the NSPCC appeals for volunteers for its Youth Witness Service, Stephanie Bell talks to two women who support the youngsters in the courtroom

Aunique service which supports young victims of crime facing the ordeal of having to relive their trauma as witnesses in court is calling for volunteers.

The NSPCC is launching a drive next month to persuade people to sign up as volunteers for their Young Witness Service which supports children and young people when giving evidence in court.

The charity recognised many years ago that going into court can be distressing for anyone — and even more so for children who have been through something as horrific as sexual abuse.

The service was piloted in 1999 to support young witnesses in Belfast Crown Court cases only. It has evolved over the years to cover every court in Northern Ireland including Crown, magistrate and youth courts.

Trained volunteers support children and their families throughout the court process from start to finish, helping them through the often traumatic experience of having to give evidence.

The service is also the first in the UK and Ireland to use an assistance dog to help put the children at ease. Connie, an adorable black labrador, is Northern Ireland’s only ‘Court Dog’ and was provided to the service by Assistance Dogs NI who train therapy dogs for children with autism.

Billy explains: “Connie has been working with us for about 18 months. There is a lot of waiting about in court, particularly in big crown court cases, and Connie sits with the children in the waiting area.

“She is especially helpful for very young children or children on the autism spectrum as she takes the focus away from the child and allows the child to relax.

“She doesn’t go into the video room with the children but the children know she is there waiting for them when they come out.”

Last year alone volunteers supported 549 children across Northern Ireland and have worked with almost 2,000 children and young people in the last three years.

Volunteer co-ordinator of the scheme Billy Eagleson explains its significance. “For young people who have been victims of crime, going to court to talk about what happened to them can add to the trauma they’ve already suffered,” he says.

“We support all young people under the age of 18 who give evidence via video link.

“Our volunteers stay with them throughout the case, supporting them and trying to advocate on their behalf so that they are not further damaged by the case and it is also about making sure their needs are provided for.

“It can be a demanding role and is not for everybody, which is the challenge for us in recruiting volunteers.

“We are putting a call out for volunteers — people who could be available during court hours which are 9am-5pm.

“It is a role that especially suits retired police officers, social workers, teachers and people with great interest in the welfare of children.”

The volunteer recruitment process takes the form of a written application form and interview. Volunteers will take part in eight days’ initial training followed by an induction and shadowing period that forms part of the recruitment and selection process. All volunteers are fully supported by a named supervisor when undertaking the role and receive regular one-to-one and group supervisions.

Training will take place in November. If you think you could be there for a child through this challenging time, you can find out more by visiting http://bit.ly/2hgcbqY or calling Billy Eagleson on 028 9448 7568