PRACTICAL SUPPORT
First Response
In 2014 VSS received a grant from the DCSI Community
Benefit Fund to provide training to extend the roles and
range of activities volunteers can undertake at VSS. With
the assistance of a volunteer reference group planning
began to establish a new pilot service –‘First Response’.
Based on a similar program in the United Kingdom, First
Response volunteers are jointly trained by VSS and SAPOL
to respond to victims’ needs within 72 hours of a property
crime. The volunteer then provides practical assistance
to the victim, such as help with organising an insurance
claim or making a report to SAPOL, emotional support, and
information on the criminal justice system.
Starting in July 2015, First Response will be the first support
program of its t \H[