Volunteers supporting victims of crime celebrated
June 8th, 2022
DARRYL Preston, Police and Crime Commissioner, marked Volunteers Week (1st – 7th June 2022) by thanking those who give up their time to support victims of crime in the Victim and Witness Hub.
Volunteer support is at the heart of the Peterborough-based Hub which provides victims and witnesses access to free emotional and practical support to help them cope and recover from their experience, regardless of whether it has been reported to the police or not.
“I am incredibly proud of the victim services I commission in our county and the Victim and Witness Hub is at the heart of that,” said Darryl. “This year the Hub has supported more than 4,600 victims and volunteers have played a part in that achievement.
“I want to say a massive thank you to all the volunteers working within the Hub, as always, your professionalism and dedication is outstanding.”
There are currently ten volunteers donating their time and skills to Hub. They provide a listening ear to those who have been impacted by crime. Those crimes can range from burglaries to road traffic collisions.
Steve Welby, Head of the Victim and Witness Hub, said: “It has been fantastic for the Commissioner to personally visit our volunteers and thank them. We try and contact all victims of crime, where we feel it safe to do so, either by phone, or by e-mail or letter.
“Our volunteers tailor the support they provide victims and witnesses. For example, an elderly lady had been attacked within a shopping centre and was too frightened to return to the shops. One of our volunteers slowly helped her to regain her confidence and feel safe enough to visit the shops again. Their work has such a positive impact on people when they feel their most vulnerable.”
Feedback from those who have received help from the Hub speaks for itself, with 86 per cent reporting that they felt more informed and empowered to act.
There are also restorative justice volunteers working within the Hub. They perform specialist roles to facilitate face-to-face meetings between a victim and the individual that committed the crime against them.
If you are interested in a volunteering role at the Hub please email victimandwitnesshub@cambs.pnn.police.uk.
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