Criminology graduate KerryAnne Quilliam has been appointed trainee support worker with Victim Support Isle of Man.
KerryAnne, 22, of Ramsey recently completed a degree in counselling skills with criminology at Chester University. She will be working with the full range of clients that seek out Victim Support’s services.
She said ‘Before I got involved, I thought Victim Support was part of the Isle of Man Constabulary because of the close connections with them. I thought the work was solely based on supporting victims of crime and to be honest I thought it would be quite quiet.
'However, these assumptions were proved wrong within the first few days of working with Victim Support, where we have contact with, on average, five clients a day.
‘Victim Support is an independent charity, separate from the police. The service is free of charge. We offer confidential emotional support and practical help to those affected by crime. The type of crime can range from theft to burglary, threats to assaults, murder to death by road traffic incidents and domestic violence to sexual abuse.
'We also operate the Witness Service, which offers support to witnesses, victims and their families before, during and after trials.’
KerryAnne has already started the lengthy training programme in Victim Support and will continue to complete Witness Support training modules over the next couple of months.
She added ‘My role as a trainee support worker has been a steep learning curve but I am thoroughly enjoying it and have gained so much knowledge, due to first-rate instruction from manager Paula Gelling, guidance from our administrator Denise Groenewald and advice from the volunteers.
'I have met some brave and inspiring clients along the way and this is just the beginning. The role is very rewarding and has highlighted to me that just listening and being there for people and showing that we care, can make a difference.’
Victim Support manager Paula Gelling welcomed KerryAnne to her new post, saying ‘I am delighted that our long search has resulted in us finding the ideal person to take up this role. KerryAnne is lively, enthusiastic and keen to get involved.’
Victim Support Isle of Man, based in Albert Street near Douglas Courthouse, receives an annual contribution of ?77,750 from the Department of Home Affairs but all funds raised – including around ?5,000-?8,000 at its main annual Essentially Dancing fund raiser – go to assist victims and witnesses.
More information can be found on the website:
www.gov.im/dha/ceo/victimsupport.xml
