Victim Support in Kent

Cycle for Victim Support!

2010-03-18T03:46:00.000-07:00

Steve Kemp, Steve Welbelove, Lance Fermor, John Smith, from Ditton Steve Smith, from Barming - (Rest of the team not availabe at time of photos)

Lance Fermor and a merry band of volunteers will be cycling from Maidstone to Bristol on June 12th 2010 - to sponsor them see the link below via Cycle rack!

Lance reports; "Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now to support the CYCLE RACK (Ride Against Crime In Kent)
I have been a community volunteer with victim support for the past 5 years and to celebrate their 35th anniversary a small group of us are cycling from Maidstone crown court to Bristol Crown court where V.S was founded.

The ride will take place on 12/6/2010. All money raised will be used in Kent to support the work of The Kent Child Witness Service (KCWS).

The Kent Child Witness Service was established in 1997 as a partnership with Victim Support, Police, CPC and Social Services, it provides support to children who have been victims of crime. This support is offered free of charge to support a child through the court process to enable them to give best evidence. This service is offered by specifically trained volunteers who are able to meet with the children often in their own home, and offer age appropriate support to give the child as much information as they require. This can include a pre trial visit to the court to familiarise the child so as to help alleviate some of the stress associated with appearing as a witness. There may also be some post trial contact if required."

Victim Support Autumn Conference,

2009-12-14T04:04:00.000-08:00

Victim Support Autumn Conference,
AGM and 35th Anniversary

In the grand surroundings of the British Museum, London, I attended the above event
in the company of volunteers Venka Immink, Jane Wright and Pat Kenyon.
After the formalities of the business of the A.G. M. (lots of positive feedback with great vision for the future) a resolution was passed unanimously by the members – namely, that together with partnership working, the Criminal Justice System should be changed to “Criminal Justice Service” again putting victims and witnesses at the heart of that service.
After coffee, we moved into the serious matter of fraud – in particular, we heard a moving story from the daughter of an elderly victim of a mail scam that saw her receiving 30,000 (yes) letters from all over the world promising her fortunes beyond her dreams – only it cost her £50,000 with not a penny back (“thinkjessica”). We heard from the Police and the National Fraud Authority about the huge problems that they have tracking these silent and very cruel criminals.
After lunch we moved to the second session of the conference side of the event. Excellent speakers gave us fascinating insight into the work that is being done within the field of young people from the Princes Trust, Duke of Edinburgh Scheme to a special project with Victim Support in Norfolk bringing hope and dreams to the young people they meet. There is much to do to take Victim Support out to the young people within our communities.
Finally, at the conclusion of the day, there were speeches, wine and anniversary cake to celebrate the 35th year of Victim Support and whatever has happened in the past, I would like to think that all of us from Kent were really quite proud to have been part of not only its history but to play a part in its future.
Jan Turner
Volunteer & Community Manager

MAYOR OF DARTFORD’S CHARITY

2009-11-19T02:50:00.000-08:00

MAYOR OF DARTFORD’S CHARITY

DVH Heartbeat Appeal

North West Kent Carers

EllenorLions Hospice

Victim Support

Quiz Night 16th October

Chinese Evening 9th November

60 ‘s Night 28th November

Race Night 23rd January 2010
Charity Ball 5th February

Cabaret Night 7th March

Barn Dance Date to be advised

Barbecue Hilton Hotel April 9th

For further information –
Doreen Coleman 01322 863730 dorcole31@hotmail.co.uk
Stephanie Thredgle 01322 221623

Dartford Mayors Charity - Pizza and Poetry Evening

2009-11-04T03:15:00.000-08:00

Friday 4th December - 7.45 pm

Scout/Guide Hut – Eden Road, Joydens Wood DA5 2EG

You are invited to recite your chosen piece of

poetry (2 mins max) or just listen and enjoy.

Pizzas from Domino Pizzas, salad and

Garlic bread to be served.

Bring your own plonk and glasses.

Raffle

Price: £8.50. Cheques payable to Mayor’s charity

To reserve your place, please contact

Jennifer Rickwood
68 Spurrell Ave Joydens Wood DA5 2EX
01322 522361

Please reserve _____seats for Poetry and Pizza on 4th Dec ‘09

Name_________________________ Cheque/cash enclosed £_______

Pizza choice (2 lge portions per person )

Cheese and tomato no.______‘

Meateor’ (mxd meat) no._____

Hawaiian no. _____

Please apply directly to the organisers. One of the beneficiaries of the Mayors Fund this year is Victim Support and we are very grateful for the kindness and enthusiasm of all those helping!

A full list of events raising money for the fund is available from VS

Disability Hate Crime Conference 2009

2009-10-09T03:02:00.000-07:00

Disability Hate Crime Conference Report 29th September 2009, Ashford, click the link for a short video report from Kent TV.

"Know your rights, right the wrongs"

Working in the Witness Service

2009-09-08T03:14:00.000-07:00

Working in the Witness Service can sometimes seem a thankless task so it is particularly valued when that work is recognised in this case the quote below is the commendation received by Judge MacDonald

Pictured left. Witness Service Volunteers in Maidstone Valerie Scott, David Williamson, Heather Allam and their co-ordinator, Maureen Utting

“The complainant and principal witness was a female young person then aged 17 who had been in care most of her life and was clearly a very troubled and damaged individual
Although the volunteers who work in our Witness Service give their valued services to witnesses of many types and emotional states, it is cases such as this where the allegations are of a sexual nature and the complainant was under age, which on the one hand, particularly require those skills and on the other, are especially taxing of them.
During the course of her testimony, this particular witness offered unusual challenges. She absconded several times, initially for a day. She had to be pursued within and outside the building. She screamed loudly which was disconcerting and disrupted the proceedings in other courts.
Her behaviour showed a disregard for her own personal safety which could well have spilled over into exposing her supporters to risk. She was possibly the most difficult link witness seen here in 18 years.
I am delighted to record, though knowing them, I would have expected no less, that her witness supporters behaved with exemplary commitment and fortitude during this conduct, true to their oaths, safeguarding and supporting her and that they were instrumental in the achievement of justice in this trial. Their performance in the trial was a reflection on the fine leadership they enjoy.

I therefore thank and commend Valerie Scott, David Williamson, Heather Allam and their co-ordinator, Maureen Utting for their services in this trial. I have a letter for each of you to keep as a memento.”

Advice for New Volunteers

2009-07-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Advice and Help for Volunteers
Completing the Core Learning Course

Do Offer:

Emotional Support

· Someone to talk to
· Reassurance
· Emotional Support

Practical Help

· Information on the Witness Service
· Help with CICA Application forms
· Contacts to other local organisations
· Information on Police procedures

Do Not Offer

· Counselling
· Legal Advice
· Medical Advice
· Benefits Information

Other Information

· Any liaison with the Police, Crown Prosecution Service and other statutory bodies must be made through your volunteer manager.
· The service we offer is normally short term. Please consult your volunteer manager if you feel contact with a client is becoming on-going.
· Please update the office whenever you have contact with a client. You can do this by telephone, fax or e-mail, using agreed procedures.
· Please claim expenses on a monthly basis using the correct forms and correct procedure.
· Please remember to inform the office when you are going on holiday or will be unavailable for any other reason.
· When phoning a client , please always dial 141 to withhold your number. If a client’s phone does not accept with held calls, please inform the office. Never give your number to a victim or any other details which could identify you.

In case of any problems call your line manager or the Victim Care Unit on
0845 389 9527 (Mon-Fri 8.00am to 8.00 pm)

Volunteers Week Partner

2009-06-02T04:56:00.000-07:00

Volunteers' Week: Volunteers' Week Partner: Victim Support

In Kent Victim Support has participated in a recruitment event in Tunbridge Wells, a photo exhibition on volunteering and organised volunteers taster sessions in Ashford. We are working with Kent County Council and Kent Union.

Volunteer Week 1st - 7th June 2009

2009-04-16T02:41:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Week

1st—7th June 2009

Its is the 25th anniversary of Volunteer week this June and Victim Support in Kent will be joining in as usual. We are launching a new national recruitment pack and we will be holding another of our taster sessions at Norman House in Ashford for potential new volunteers.

Visit the website http://www.volunteersweek.org.uk/

If anyone would like to be involved please get in touch as soon as possible! If you would like to attend the taster session please contact us on 0845 389 9527 to arrange this!

Kent Police Essential to Victim Support

2009-03-18T03:09:00.000-07:00

Crime victims details are passed to Victim Support from the Police, with the help and support of the Area Crime management Units. This requires that each victim is asked if they wish to get help and then that the details are passed on.
As is well known Kent Police Officers do a difficult and risky job and in addition face a lot of bureaucracy in their day-to-day work.
Asking each possible client if they would like their details to be passed to Victim Support adds to the daily burden.
However, if this process does not work then thousands of victims are left potentially without the help and support they need.
Kent Police give us their daily support in this and in doing so are making a real difference to the lives of victims and witnesses.
Highly trained volunteers offer those victims three main kinds of support. Emotional support to help deal with the personal effects of crime, information to make better choices and practical help which can range from form filling to lock fitting as well as support in court and preparing to be a witness.

Crime Rate

2009-02-12T05:23:00.000-08:00

Kent Chief Constable Mike Fuller

speaks about the crime rate on BBC South East Today

Student Volunteering Week

2009-02-11T05:11:00.000-08:00

http//www.volunteering.org.uk/studentvolunteeringweek

Victim Support in Kent is very interested in hearing from any students who might be looking to undertake some voluntary work.

Please email us vs.kent@victimsupport.org.uk

Telephone 0845 389 9527

Why Do People Volunteer?

2009-01-20T04:58:00.000-08:00

Why Do People Volunteer?

People volunteer for a number of different reasons, ranging from a desire to learn new skills, have fun or make a difference. Some are completely devoted to the cause, while others simply wish to do their bit where they can.

Give Something Back

One of the more obvious reasons why people volunteer is because they find something they are passionate about and want to do something good for others. People who volunteer in their community have a personal attachment to the area and want to make it a better place for themselves and for others.
It's a truly unique learning experience that will see you interacting with new cultures, as a volunteer you will get a real glimpse of the many local cultures.Personal Growth
Many people choose to volunteer because of the personal benefits that volunteering has on their character. Indeed, volunteers often say that the experience has made them a better person. In most cases, volunteers also become more concerned and aware of the problems facing the world. It is not uncommon for volunteers to return home with a determination to continue their good work in the local community as well.

Personal Benefit

In most cases the biggest personal benefit is simply feeling good about yourself. Volunteers make a real difference to the world we live in.

Skills and Experience

Volunteer work is a great way to gain experience in a broad range of fields.

To Have Fun

I don’t think anyone would volunteer, despite all the benefits, if the work was intolerable and they didn’t have any fun. Volunteer work can be hard, strenuous, dirty and frustrating but it is also usually great fun and extremely rewarding. It will send you spiralling from homesickness, illness to culture shock but the fact is - you wouldn't do it if it wasn't worth it and see people smile! It's something different, memorable and, for many, life-changing! So whatever your reason for volunteering, you’ll find that it offers you a truly unique experience in today’s busy world.

Contact Details!!

2008-12-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

The Correct contact details for Victim Support in Kent are

Victim Support
Norman House
Beaver Road Industrial Estate
Ashford
Kent
TN23 7SH

Tel 0845 389 9527

Fax 01233 618025

Email vs.kent@victimsupport.org.uk

No other addresses should be used as no other offices are currently open.

Victims Getting A Great Level of Care!

2008-12-04T00:51:00.001-08:00

Victim Care officers and volunteers are working together to deliver a great level of care to victims in Kent.

The new system has taken some getting used to for all involved but has started to be a definite success.

Enhanced service manager Lin Smith said “The new system is now delivering an excellent level of care to victims of crimes across all areas of Kent”

Under the new system Victim Care Officers (VCOs) based at Norman House in Ashford make the first contacts with crime victims to see if any help or support is required. The VCOs have a series of practical services they can offer straight away such as boarding up broken windows or replacing locks and bolts, using the services of designated repairs service called BOING.

The VCOs have a lot of flexibility in their approach to these practical issues. VCO Denice Lake was able to organise the provision of basic furniture and household goods for a man whose flat had been stripped bare by raiders in Thanet. When she realised his plight she immediately assigned a volunteer who was able to make a quick visit and confirmed the urgency of the situation. Denice then contacted a supplier of second hand and recycled goods, and was able to provide a bed and bedding a table, and basic kitchen equipment including plates and cutlery and a kettle. A follow up visit by the volunteer confirmed that all the things had arrived and that the victim was really pleased with the support he got.

VCO Jonathan Cornell had a repair team in place within fifteen minutes and the repairs completed in under two hours after a call to a victim of a burglary in North Kent. Burglars had smashed doors and window locks and done other damage to her house. The service uses locally based tradespeople to do the repair work and teams do not have to travel long distances and can be speedily on the spot.

But the service is not restricted to doors and locks, but can also extend to things such as key safe boxes, and one was replaced in South East Kent recently.

The victims referred to volunteer support are those who really need it and have asked for it. Volunteers have got extensive training and are now being challenged to use that training in difficult and sensitive cases.

There is no telephoning of long lists of people many of whom do not want any support, rather in many cases victims are awaiting a call and have a lot to say.

VCOs have a high pressure job as they are telephoning crime victims all day with no easy way to know what to expect. Responses vary from the cool to the highly emotional. In addition, more and more victims have begun to self refer using the Kent call in number. The service on the number is available from 8.00 am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday.
Plans are in hand to increase the number of self referrals by more widely publicising the VS telephone number for easy contacts.

0845 389 9527

Kent Newsletter!

2008-10-06T04:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first Kent wide newsletter from Victim Support after the successful launch of our Victim Care Unit. Kent is still divided into 4 areas for administrative purposes

West Kent and Dartford Robert Chambers 01233 618004

Medway and Gravesend
Jan Turner 01233 618002

Maidstone, Swale and Ashford Lesley Piggott-Cubitt 01233 618003

Canterbury and Thanet Bridget Blackford-Read 01233 618001 .

The first experience of the new system in which Victim Care Officers (VCOs) make initial contact with a crime victim before passing on for volunteer support if needed is that there is a high percentage of serious crimes like domestic abuse, sexual crimes and violence amongst those asking for volunteer help. Extra training courses for all interested volunteers in these difficult areas will be organised in 2009.

The VCOs are Mutsa Zemura, Gill Cubitt, Denice Lake, Joe Cornell, Eloise Newman, Karen Jones and Becky Avery. They can be contacted directly with any queries under the general new number, 0845 3899527.

Special thanks are in order to Denzil Peach who managed the difficult and complex change to a single county wide office and a big welcome to Alison Donnelly who has taken over from him as Victim Support Area Manager.

WE ARE ACTIVELY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS…..

2008-09-10T00:46:00.000-07:00

Victim Support is a national charity that supports people, families and friends affected by crime. We offer emotional and practical help and information.

WE ARE ACTIVELY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS…..

Following any crime, victims will receive a telephone call from a Victim Care Officer, and then often choose to speak at greater length with one of our specifically trained volunteers.

We are now actively seeking volunteers to support people affected by Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assaults within the Kent area.

Our training courses will give you the skills to offer information and emotional support to women and men who have been raped or sexually assaulted, or who are living with domestic abuse and trying to come to terms with a violent partner. You will help the “survivor” talk through what they may want to do following the attack or incident they have suffered.

Domestic abuse involves physical and sexual violence, verbal, emotional or financial abuse between adults who are or have been in an intimate relationship with each other, or are family members, or men and women in same-gender relationships, irrespective of age or culture.

Being raped or sexually assaulted is a very distressing experience and the effects may be emotional and physical, and long-lasting. In time, many people do come to terms with their experience, particularly if they have been offered appropriate support. Survivor’s can find it difficult to talk to a member of their family or friends, and often speaking to someone she/he does not know will be easier.

So if you are a good listener, can empathise, are compassionate and non-judgemental, and willing to give some of your time to help, please call one of our Volunteer & Community Managers and we will be happy to discuss your application to become part of a team to support victims of crime.

Canterbury, Thanet & SE Kent – 01233 618001
Medway & Gravesend – 01233 618002
Ashford, Maidstone & Swale – 01233 618003
West Kent & Dartford – 01233 618004

Unfortunately we are unable to accept applications from people who are currently living with domestic abuse, or who have experienced domestic abuse or another life changing event in the last two years, such as rape or a bereavement. If you would like support from us, please phone one of our Victim Care Officers on 0845 3899 527.

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2008-07-29T01:01:00.001-07:00

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