Busy Tayside Victim Support in need of volunteers

Oct 2 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

AN ORGANISATION which supports victims of crime across Tayside yesterday issued an appeal for extra volunteers as it emerged they are now helping more than 1000 people every month.

Victim Support Scotland aims to offer all victims of crime appropriate emotional and practical help in the aftermath of their traumatic experience.

But last night the group’s Tayside Co-ordinator Wendy Strathearn revealed the number of referrals received in the region had increased dramatically in recent years, leading to a need for extra volunteers.

Last year the branches of Perth and Kinross, Dundee and Angus had 13,000 people referred to their services – a number which included 16 people who had been bereaved by murder.

Wendy said: “In Perth and Kinross alone we are seeing approximately 300 people being referred to us every month. That number has increased dramatically in the last few years as the protocol with Tayside Police has been changed.”

“That is not to say there is more crime, it is just that the process for victims being referred to us has been made much more efficient.”

“Because the referrals have gone up by so much we are in great need of more volunteers.”

As well as the police, the group also take referrals from health professionals, social workers and from the victims themselves.

But due to the number of referrals now received in Perth and Kinross the group is not always able to give as much help as they would like to each victim.

“We can only take on as many referrals as our resources allow,” said Wendy.

“Around half of our referrals are assaults, robberies and other crimes of violence and these are the people who are most likely to be seen.”

Now people across Perth and Kinross are being urged to volunteer and help out the service.

“The aim of the group is to help relieve the stress and anxiety which often results when someone has been a victim of crime,” she said.

“Our trained volunteers give people a chance to talk about their experience with someone who is not an official or family member who may be emotionally involved.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for Victim Support should call Jo Armstrong, Co-ordinator Perth & Kinross, tel 01738 567171.