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