International Volunteers Day: safety volunteers needed

Date:  05 December 2007

Safety experts in Three Rivers have teamed up with the voluntary sector to call for more volunteers to help in the work to reduce crime. The appeal was made on Wednesday (5 December) to mark International Day of Volunteering.

Chair of the Three Rivers Community Safety Partnership, Roger Seabourne, said:

"You could prevent the misery and suffering experienced by a victim - just a couple of hours of volunteering a week can have genuine benefits in reducing crime and its aftermath.

"Incidents are falling in the district but the work of the community safety agencies, charities and the public must be maintained and, if possible, increased. With a concerted effort, I am optimistic we can reduce the crime rate still further and importantly, help to make people feel reassured."

Volunteering opportunities available include:

• Supporting witnesses at Watford and Hemel Magistrates courts (Hertfordshire Witness Service).
• Supporting victims of crime (Victim Support).
• Working with the Police on crime prevention action (Safer Neighbourhood Volunteers).
• Staffing a police information desk (Abbots Langley Police Station).
• Staffing a domestic violence information line (Hertfordshire Domestic Violence/Abuse line).

Director of the Centre for Voluntary Services in Three Rivers, Mary Green, said:

"There is a wide range of volunteering opportunites in Three Rivers. Promoting safety in the community is a vital role and we are happy to advise on suitable placements. A lot of voluntary roles are arranged now to fit in with people's busy lives - including weekends, evenings and occasional volunteering."

Information about volunteering is available from: Centre for Voluntary Service in Three Rivers 01923 711174 threerivers.cvs@virgin.net and from Lynne Kuschel at Hertfordshire Constabulary 01923 472 144.

Information about careers with Hertfordshire Constabulary is available from www.hertspolicecareers.co.uk

Cllr Seabourne is Chair of the Three Rivers Community Safety Partnership and Portfolio Holder for Community Safety at Three Rivers District Council.