Ron Hogg, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), is looking for volunteers to help reduce crime and support victims…
The Restorative Hub, launched in 2016, will train volunteers from across County Durham and Darlington to support victims, by offering them the chance to meet and communicate with their offender.
120 volunteers are already trained following a successful pilot scheme in Darlington. Mr Hogg is now seeking a further 120 volunteers from across County Durham.
He said: “Restorative Justice is highly valued by victims as it gives them a voice and a chance to get the answers and explanation they deserve. This often helps them to recover and restores their peace of mind.
“For offenders, the process helps them understand and take responsibility for the harm they’ve caused. Evidence shows that offenders who meet their victims in a restorative justice process are less likely to reoffend.”
Volunteers will work alongside colleagues from the Police, Courts, Prisons and Probation, and will also handle cases on their behalf. They will work with a variety of issues, from neighbourly disputes and anti-social behaviour, to low-level crime like shoplifting and criminal damage, to more serious crimes, as their experience grows.
Andrew Hancock, one of the scheme’s coordinators, said: “We’re looking for fair-minded people who want to make a positive contribution to their community. No experience is necessary as full training will be given. Successful applicants will be awarded funding worth £625, to allow them to complete the accredited training programme.”
The training, which will run in various locations from February to June 2016, equips trainees with the knowledge and skills to effectively facilitate restorative justice processes, and leads to a recognised level 3 qualification. In return for the investment made in them, volunteers are asked to donate around 3 hours a week to working with victims and offenders for the first 18 months after qualifying.
Former volunteer facilitator Hayley Morrison commented: “It’s been extremely satisfying to see the difference you can make. I’ve helped traumatised victims regain their confidence and find closure, while also helping offenders turn their lives around and make a fresh start. It’s given me experience I could never have gained elsewhere, and made me a much more rounded person in the process. It even opened the door to my current career in the Police.”
An information pack with an application form and full details of the role can be obtained by contacting the Restorative Hub on 0300 003 1818, or by emailing kevin.thompson@darlington.gov.uk.
There will also be a chance to meet Hub staff and volunteers at a special Criminal Justice Volunteers Fair to be held at Police Headquarters in Durham, on Wednesday 5th January from 6pm-8pm.
Further information is available on the Durham PCC website.
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