Partner Article

Volunteers sought to support anti-social behaviour victims

A project which aims to provide much needed support for victims of anti-social behaviour in County Durham is appealing for volunteers.

The charity Victim Support is working with local housing provider Derwentside Homes and Durham County Council’s Safe Durham Partnership to provide emotional and practical support and information to people who have been affected by anti social behaviour.

The three organisations are now looking for volunteers to join the project and help victims in their local community by providing a listening ear.

Staff at Derwentside Homes, which owns and manages around 6,700 properties across North Durham, have already been spreading the message amongst their tenants.

Head of Housing Shelagh McGinn said: “We know that anti-social behaviour can have a devastating impact on people’s lives which is why we were so keen to support this project.

“Our involvement is two-fold - not only can we publicise the work Victim Support do to those of our tenants who have been affected, but we also hope that by spreading the word about the charity some tenants may also be inspired to sign up as volunteers.”

With tackling anti-social behaviour one of its key priorities, the Safe Durham Partnership is also supporting the initiative.

Ian Hoult, Neighbourhood Protection Manager, said: “This partnership will support early interventions, education and preventative measures, and where necessary, adopt a firm enforcement approach to reduce the harmful effects caused to individuals and local communities.”

Jackie Cussons, Service Delivery Manager at Victim Support said: “The aim of this joint project with Derwentside Homes and the Safe Durham Partnership is to really raise awareness of the service we provide and recruit a team of volunteers to help us deliver this service across County Durham.

“We welcome referrals directly from anyone who has been a victim of crime or anti-social behaviour and aim to provide the support needed or signpost them to appropriate services so that individual needs are met.”

For more information about Victim Support or to find out more about becoming a volunteer please call 01388 664111. All volunteers will be provided with full training and support to carry out their role.

Victims of Crime can contact the Victim Care Unit on 0845 2770977 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm and Saturday 9am – 5pm.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ailsa Macmillan .