Scott’s story
What is your role at Victim Support?
I’m a Community Case Worker. I’ve been volunteering with Victim Support for around 15 months.
What inspired you to volunteer and what motivates you to keep volunteering with Victim Support?
I was offered help by Victim Support because of experiences in my childhood, which I took. I was overwhelmed with the help and dedication from Victim Support, so I decided to learn and develop skills so that I could support other victims of crime.
What are your main volunteer duties?
Emotional and advocacy support, and dealing with sexual violence and domestic abuse cases.
What skills and experience do you bring to the role?
Having received help from Victim Support myself, I can relate to being on the receiving end of the process. In my current day job as a security officer/door supervisor, I often deal with sensitive and data protection issues, experience I feel is beneficial towards my role as a case worker. Having a non-judgemental attitude, good listening skills and being proactive are also skills I feel are really important to my role.
I also furthered my skills when I became a specialist volunteer, attending sexual violence and domestic violence training courses. I’m looking forward to going on further training courses in the future.
What have you gained from your volunteering experience?
I’ve gained immense satisfaction and gratitude from this opportunity to help others. I’ve also learnt a lot!
What do you think is special about volunteering with Victim Support?
The organised network structure, as well as the opportunity to meet lots of approachable, helpful and skilled people from all walks of life.
What would you say to people thinking about volunteering with Victim Support?
If you are already thinking about volunteering for Victim Support, you are half way there! Contact your local Victim Support centre and speak to one of the volunteers.
What three words would you use to describe your volunteering experience?
Fulfilling, honourable and beneficial.
If you’d like to volunteer for Victim Support like Scott, find out how you can get involved on our volunteering pages.