Could you volunteer to help victims of crime get justice
COULD you spare some time to help a victim of crime get justice?
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Essex is currently recruiting volunteers to help people who have been victims of lower level crimes to meet those who have offended against them.
The volunteers will form part of the new Restorative Justice Hub, which has been created by PCC Nick Alston as part of national plans to provide enhanced support to victims of crime and deliver community-based solutions.
Restorative justice is a process which gives victims the opportunity to meet or communicate with those who have offended against them. It holds offenders to account and helps them take responsibility for the harm they have caused. Both parties discuss next steps and the offender can then make amends.
These meetings take place between victims and offenders where a low level crime or anti-social behavior has occurred, or post-sentence where the victim would like the opportunity to meet with and speak to a perpetrator.
In order for those interactions between victims and offenders to take place, the OPCC is recruiting volunteer Restorative Justice Facilitators. They will arrange and be present for meetings between victims and perpetrators.
They will work as part of the new hub made up of partnership agencies across Essex, which is being piloted across West Essex (Brentwood, Epping Forest, Harlow & Thurrock) from 1.
Volunteers for the project must be over the age of 18 and will be expected to meet with victims and offenders living across West Essex. They will also be given the opportunity to offer their feedback on the project, which is expected to roll out to the rest of Essex from October.
People interested in the volunteer role have until Friday February 27th to apply.
For more information, please see the vacancies page on the PCC website https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/contact-us/recruitment-and-vacancies/, or contact [email protected] or Emma Callaghan on 01245 2916019
