The Sandton Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) is looking for volunteers to assist in the counselling of victims of crime in the Sandton area.
Vice-chairperson of the Sandton programme, Isabel Ferreira, said volunteers need to have a heart for people, much empathy and compassion and good listening skills. They should also be over the age of 27, a South African citizen, have their own transport and either live or work in the Sandton area.
It would be a great advantage if they could speak an additional language other than English.
“Volunteers need to commit to 16 hours a month where they will be tasked with contacting victims telephonically and arranging face-to-face appointments. We assist with victims of assault, house robbery, carjacking, intimidation, domestic violence, rape and the like,” said Ferriera.
She said that she and her group of volunteers contact all the victims of crime telephonically and invite them to meet. About 10 per cent of the victims choose to do so.
Volunteers will be required to pay R600 to receive two full days of training before taking up the position. The cost includes lunch and refreshments, training and materials. “The training itself is invaluable and gives you the life skills to deal with friends or family who find themselves in a traumatic situation.”
Those selected to counsel will team up with a senior volunteer to observe and be observed in counselling situations before they are left to counsel people on their own.
Ferriera said she was faced with her own traumatic experience years ago which led her to volunteer in this way to help others.
“Life is about giving and people. When you are faced with a traumatic experience, you can choose to live and make a difference and have a life after the trauma. I have met so many amazing people through this work and it has been a medium of personal growth for me.”
Details: To find out more about volunteering, call Isabel on 082 335 8593 or the VEP line on 082 774 7564. Interviews will take place on 12 and 19 February and training will be on 10 and 18 March.
