BURY has been playing host this week to volunteers who will bring comfort and re-assurance to victims of crime.

The town's police headquarters in Irwell Street has been the venue for a three-day course involving training for volunteer visitors.

They are attached to Victim Support schemes in Bury, Oldham, Tameside, Rochdale and Salford.

Jane Sacks, manager of Victim Support-Bury Metro said: "Once again, we are fortunate in having a full complement of high quality, potential volunteers from Bury.

"Their age range is from early 20s to early 60s and they bring with them many skills."

Those who took part in the sessions, which were held from Tuesday to Thursday (Sept 21-23) this week, were given information on crime and its impact, personal safety, attentive listening and confidentiality.

Mrs Sacks added: "The course prepares volunteers to visit victims of burglay, bogus caller-type crime and further training will be available next year to train those working with victims of domestic violence, abuse, assaults and robberies and working with families of homicide victims."

She stresses the Crime and Disorder Act places a duty on the police to work with local agencies to tackle crime and reduce its risks and impact.

Mrs Sacks went on: "This partnership has led to the formation of working groups looking at house burglaries, misuse of drugs, incidents involving young peopole, racist crimes and domestic violence."

Victim Support is included in this partnership and Mrs Sacks praised Bury police divisional commander Chief Superintendent Phil Hollowood for making facilities available to train those whom she desribed as "highly motivated volunteers" for Victim Support.

"It is recognised that early intervention following a crime can have a highly beneficial effect, including advice to help prevent repeat victimisation," she continued.

The latest annual report shows that Victim Support-Bury Metro is assisting more victims of crime than ever before.

But on a positive note, it has a full volunteer staff as well as a waiting list.

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