The dedicated staff at the Victim Support Centre at the Florida Police Station has, over the years, helped thousands of crime and abuse victims come to terms with the reality of what has happened to them.

This would not have been possible had it not been for the steady support of a group of volunteers who give freely of their time to offer their services.

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According to the chairperson of Florida Victim Support Services, Kathy Tracey, their volunteers work hard to support the full-time staff who man the support centre in attending to victims of crime.

“Our volunteers, in most instances, have full-time jobs of their own,” she says.

“Still, we are passionate about victim support, and our services in most cases ensure that victims receive immediate counselling and support.”

The Florida Victim Support Services has been running since 1998, and is now calling on more volunteers to join the organisation.

“The unit currently has eight volunteers and would welcome more volunteers to offer their services in support of the Florida Police Station,” says Tracey.

“Members are required to be on call as and when required during the day or after hours, and are required to attend a debriefing session once per month.

“We respond to several different situations, including death in the family, house and business robberies, rape, suicide, drug abuse, domestic abuse, abandoned babies, or any other crime where a victim has been traumatised.

The unit is supported by the Department of Social Development, which also offers basic training courses in counselling where needed.

If you are interested in supporting Florida Victim Support Services or in becoming a volunteer, contact the dedicated Victim Support number on 083 688 0633.