VICTIM Support Gloucestershire is looking to increase the help it gives to victims of crime by increasing the number of volunteers who give free and confidential information, emotional support and practical help to victims and witnesses of crime.

The charity is holding a Volunteer Recruitment Day in Gloucester: Saturday 16 August, 10.00 - 13.30 at Victim Support, Eastgate House, Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1PX.

At the recruitment day people can find out how they can make a difference as a volunteer by helping victims in their local community or supporting witnesses at court.

As well as finding out about the volunteering opportunities on offer, there will also be the chance to talk to volunteers and staff about Victim Support’s comprehensive training package and the new skills that volunteers develop.

Not only do volunteers receive ongoing training, Victim Support also pays expenses related to volunteering.

Local Victim Support volunteer Alison Fernandes said “Helping people to get their lives back on track after being a victim of crime is an important role and gives me tremendous satisfaction. I am proud to volunteer for Victim Support and would encourage anyone interested in making a difference while learning new skills to pop in to our recruitment day.”

Mark Eddleston, Service Delivery Manager said, “For forty years our professionally trained volunteers have been making a huge difference to their local communities. The recruitment day will be a fantastic opportunity for people to find out more about Victim Support and how they can make a real difference to their local community.”

Victim Support celebrated its 40th in the New Year birthday and the criminal justice system paid tribute to the immense contribution made by staff and volunteers over the last four decades. Victim Support has made huge strides over this period and to celebrate its birthday launched a 40th anniversary film to showcase the difference they make to victim’s lives. The short film gives an excellent overview of the type of work performed in the local community http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/about-us/news/2014/01/crime-victims-story-charity-film.

For further details about the event and volunteering opportunities please contact John de Gruyther, Service Delivery Assistant, Eastgate House, Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1PX, T: 01452 317450, E: adminglos@victimsupport.org.uk