Cycle for Victim Support!

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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)