Extensive training is key to ensuring our volunteers and staff are equipped for their often complex and compassionate work.  Last year we ran 537 training sessions dedicated to 15 topics for 3500 course attendees.

Victim Support’s Introductory Training Programme is comprehensive and covers these topics:

• Victim Support’s Māori Strategy – Te Rautaki Māori o Manaaki Tāngata Aotearoa
• Victims and their rights
• The volunteer Support Worker
• Victim Support’s service pathway
• Using Te Whare Tapa Whā model of care framework
• Culturally sensitive practice
• Communication skills
• Supporting victims of grief and trauma
• Supporting victims of sudden and traumatic death
• Supporting victims bereaved by suicide
• Using psychological first aid to support victims
• Practical case management skills
• Self-awareness and self-care.

After successful completion of the Introductory Training Programme, volunteer Support Workers are mentored by the Service Coordinator in their regional hub.  They participate in a buddy programme with an experienced Support Worker until they have the confidence to attend incidents on their own.

As part of a one-year internship, volunteer Support Workers also attend on-going training modules, including:

Family group conferences
Victim impact statement
Restorative justice
Criminal justice system and the criminal courts process.

Volunteer Support Workers also attend regular supervision and ongoing training as directed by their Service Coordinator.

In addition, we have several specialist areas of work.  These are:

homicide
family violence
sexual violence.

Volunteer Support Workers who meet the criteria may be offered training in these specialist areas.

No one works alone in Victim Support. Volunteers attend regular supervision sessions. This keeps them in touch with their own feelings and allow them time to reflect on difficulties, self-awareness and self-care.

If you think you could be a volunteer, read our frequently asked questions about volunteering, and either complete our online registration form or call 0800 volunteer (0800) 865 8686.