Victim Support seeking volunteers
Last year Victim Support helped up to 900 people in the New Plymouth area who were victims of crime and trauma.
They are now looking for eight to 10 volunteers, Taranaki-wide.
Rosemary Nicholson began volunteering for Victim Support last July, because she was looking for volunteer work.
‘‘Having an organisation out there that offers support to victims of crime and trauma really appeals to me and I wanted to be a part of it.’’
She feels privileged to be able to offer support to people at a traumatic time of their lives.
‘‘I can personally remove myself, so I don’t take on their trauma as my trauma. And there’s always a supervisor to debrief with and that’s important if you want to have that conversation as well.’’
Terry Wells, who has been volunteering with Victim Support for nine years, said the work was very rewarding.
‘‘You just need a passion for people, enjoy working with people and all the training will follow. Training is very helpful and ongoing. We also have specialised training in specialised areas like homicide.
‘‘Through the training you learn to work with people and have the skills to do that.’’ Every case is different, he said. ‘‘You don’t know what you’re going to walk into.’’
Wells was nervous on his first job.
‘‘There were nine victims, but there were other support workers there too. You’re thinking ‘am I going to say the right thing? Am I going to do the right thing?’’’
When volunteers first start they have a buddy with them, Victim Support service coordinator Cathy Stevens said.
People thinking of volunteering need people skills, compassion and empathy, she said.
Anyone interested can contact Victim Support on 0800 86 58 68 or online at www.victimsupport.org. nz/volunteer/sign-up-now.