Older People Encouraged to Volunteer in Justice System
22 Nov 2006
Supporting the Inside Justice Week campaign, Age Concern's Director General, Gordon Lishman, said:
"Crime and fear of crime can play a big role in undermining the well-being of many older people. Our research shows that a fear of crime can actually prevent older people from participating in their communities which can lead to increased social isolation, as well as depriving the wider community of their valuable skills and experience.
"All older people should be able to feel secure in their homes and local community. We want local crime agencies to work with older people to help shape the communities they live in."
Hilary Wickham is a finalist in the Justice Awards for her work as a Victim Support volunteer in Northamptonshire. The winners of the Justice Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Friday.
Among Hilary's duties is her work for the Adult Support Team, visiting child victims of sexual abuse and providing support during the progression of a case, including pre-court visits and assistance during the giving of evidence in often traumatic circumstances. Hilary is also a tireless fundraiser for her local Victim Support, raising £7,000 through a sponsored trek through the Sahara.
She said:
"Dealing with crime can be very difficult for victims and witnesses on a very personal level and they need to be able to put their trust in someone. They know I am there because I want to put my time and effort into making things better, not because I am paid to be there. The relationship helps them to work with me to get them through the experience of going to court."
Age Concern North Fleet, along with the Kent Probation Service, has been running a Sunday Lunch Club for the last 17 years which involves offenders on probation working as part of their community service.
Ann Aldous-Dunn, Senior Manager for Age Concern North Fleet, said:
"This is an extremely successful project which benefits both the older people at the day centre and the offenders who work here. The clients love the service and it offers the volunteers a new perspective and, for some, a fresh start with some new skills. The scheme works so well that we have had many people who have worked here on probation go onto become volunteers for many more years."
For further information and/or requests for interview please contact Richard Fowler at the Office for Criminal Justice Reform on 020 7035 8734 or Helen Wanless at Age Concern on 020 8765 7514.