NSPCC appeals for volunteers

The NSPCC Young Witness Service aims to make the process of giving evidence in a criminal trial more understandable and less traumatic for witnesses under the age of 18.

Janique Burden, NSPCC Young Witness Service manager, said: “Giving evidence is daunting for most adults and can be terrifying for vulnerable children who may have been physically or sexually abused, or have witnessed a serious crime. The service aims to help children and young people feel more confident and better equipped to give evidence, to understand their role in the court process and to encourage them to discuss their wishes, fears and concerns about going to court. Volunteer young witness supporters provide essential support to children and their families in the most demanding circumstances.”

Before the trial, Young Witness Service volunteers visit the young person who has to give evidence to prepare them for going to court. They support the child at the court and follow up after proceedings. The young witness supporters help enable children to give their best evidence so that the courts have the most complete and truthful testimony possible.

A current volunteer, Pam, said: "When I retired I was looking for something different but still wanted to work with children. The Young Witness Service fits the bill - working in the court system has really opened up my eyes and made me realise what an invaluable role young witness supporters play. Without us the children would have no-one to support them through the often traumatic experience of giving evidence in court."

The service would like to hear from anyone who can commit to an eight-day training course, and then at least one day per week from then on. Interested parties should contact Karen Agnew on 02894487533.