Opportunities for Volunteers
What does Victim Support West Lothian do?
Victim Support Scotland provides support for anyone affected by crime; We are an independent voluntary organisation with our national office in Edinburgh and a network of staff and volunteers based in local offices and courts throughout Scotland. Our Victim Service provides practical and emotional support to victims of crime. Volunteers provide this support; meeting with victims or talking to them over the phone. People can suffer greatly in the aftermath of crime and many benefit from talking about how they have been affected. They often need help with practical matters such as home security and personal safety. Our Witness Service provides support and information for anyone who has to attend court, which is often a very stressful experience. Volunteers help by giving information, emotional support and practical advice; and also showing people round the courtroom so they know what to expect.
How you can help
The most important and valuable resource we have is the large number of volunteers who give their time to provide our services to victims and witnesses of crime. We can use your help in many different ways, including:
- Providing support and information to victims in their homes, on the telephone, and in our offices (Victim Service)
- Supporting those affected by crime within the court (Witness Service) Helping with administration, either locally or in our national office
- Serving on local and national committees, using your financial, management, fundraising or other life experience
- Helping to raise funds Working on short-term projects
We provide support, advice, guidance and ongoing training for all volunteers. Whether you want to work directly with people or whether your skills are in administration, publicity, fundraising or some other aspect, we are keen to involve you. If you would like to learn new skills or build on the ones you already have, we can offer you many opportunities to stretch yourself, meet new people and develop your interests.
What time do volunteers give?
This depends on how you choose to be involved and the work needing done; We agree the time commitment with each volunteer. Typically; we ask volunteers to spend a minimum of two to three hours a week with the Victim Service or at least one day a week with the Witness Service.
Do volunteers need specific skills for the Victim or Witness Services?
You do not need specific skills as we provide comprehensive training- Our volunteers come with a wide range of skills and experience. We are looking for flexible, adaptable and non-judgemental individuals who are able to get on well with people of all ages and backgrounds. While you go through your training; there is continuous assessment and feedback- At the end of the training there is a final assessment to make sure that Victim Support is the right organisation for you, and you are the right volunteer for us.
Helping in other ways
If you wish to help in other ways we will discuss this with you so we can match your skills and interests with the opportunities available.
Our commitment to you
We will provide you with the training and support you need involve you in our national and local activities and reimburse legitimate expenses.
Contact Victim Support
If you would like further information about volunteering with us, please contact your local Victim or Witness Service and tell us how you would like to help.