Volunteers give over 2,300 hours of time to support Cambridgeshire victims of crime

Over the past year Cambridgeshire Victims’ Hub recruited 20 volunteers who have given 2,306 hours of support to 183 victims of crime across the county.

This week the Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner are celebrating the contribution all volunteers make to policing as part of National Volunteers’ Week.

The police-led Victims’ Hub was launched in 2014 to provide support to people affected by crime recover from their experiences. The service is free and available to all victims.

One victim of assault, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I wouldn’t have been able to cope if it wasn’t for the two volunteers who listened and supported me. I had visits and phone calls from the volunteers. The Victims’ Hub has helped me to come to terms with my assault and see a way forward.”

Victim Care Delivery Manager Sandra Weldon said: “Having a network of trained volunteers across Cambridgeshire is making a real difference to the lives of local people who have been affected by crime.

“While the Victims’ Hub provide emotional and practical support over the phone to victims of crime and referrals to other organisations, the volunteers enable us to improve the service by offering longer-term face-to-face support.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jason Ablewhite added: “It is very heartening to hear such positive feedback particularly during National Volunteers’ Week. I would like to personally thank the volunteers for their professional and dedicated approach to making a real difference to people’s lives.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Phoebe Browness on 01733 863140 or email [email protected]. All volunteers must be over 18 and are subject to an enhanced security check.