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)

Volunteers Week Partner

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

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

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

Kent Chief Constable Mike Fuller

speaks about the crime rate on BBC South East Today

Student Volunteering Week

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?

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.