Student volunteers leading the way

Victim Support CEO Tony Paine.
Victim Support CEO Tony Paine.
Student Victim Support volunteers Jasmine and Annabelle say they just want to "give a bit back".

The two graduate students are among increasing numbers of students at Otago University who volunteer for Victim Support, doing everything from answering phones to visiting victims in their homes.

Victim Support says about a quarter of its volunteers in Otago are students, and the numbers are rising.

Jasmine, a graduate psychology student, estimates she puts in 25 hours a week, in addition to being a full-time student and holding a part-time job.

She is proud the student population is taking an active role.

"Otago University has a close relationship with Dunedin city as well as other businesses and establishments, which sets it apart from others.

"Student presence within the community is high and I'm sure there are others out there like myself who want to give a bit back."

Student volunteers average about 2-3 12 hour shifts per week per volunteer - and it's no easy ride.

"The work is the full on crisis work and students go through the same training as everyone else," says Victim Support marketing and communications manager Emily Marsden.

The organisation has just held its Volunteer Awareness Week and this year's focus is youth volunteers, with many of the events aimed at the younger generation.

Annabelle, who is now a full-time volunteer at Victim Support, stresses the importance of this Awareness Week and its youth focus, as she believes many younger people are not aware of Victim Support.

Last year over 70,000 victims across New Zealand were assisted by Victim Support last year, and the organisation hopes to increase these numbers, with its 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service.

CEO Tony Paine says the main objective of the organisation is to say to victims of crime: "We care and we're here to help".

And Otago is leading the way.

Mr Paine believes the high numbers of volunteers in Otago is "due to the geography and history of Otago that people are more focused on their community and that's part of the culture of the region - being there for your neighbour."

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