With a dedicated workforce of volunteers, Victim Support Isle of Man tirelessly provides free and confidential advice and support to victims and witnesses of crime, domestic abuse and traffic collisions. Providing a safe haven for service users is high on their agenda, and was at the front of their mind when they recently decided, with the help of Friends Provident International, to turn a badly neglected outdoor area into a tranquil garden.

Caroline Cornish, Friends Provident International General Manager states, “The work that Victim support does is invaluable on the Island. It is so important that the Victim support service users have a safe and quiet place they can retreat to, and I am delighted that Friends Provident International has been able to help provide such a valuable addition to the organisation.”

The garden, styled and renovated by Joe Holtby, Nils Crawford and Chris Bradshaw of local business ABC Tree Company, consists of seating within a paved area encased by high walls and pot plants. Service users can utilise the space freely whilst visiting the Albert Street Headquarters.

In addition to renovating the garden, Friends Provident International also provided Victim Support with a new work station for volunteers, and printed leaflets to inform those in need of the service they provide.

Paula Gelling, Manager of Victim Support says “The assistance given by Friends Provident International is very much appreciated by everybody involved with Victim Support. Having the rear yard renovated is of a direct benefit to the Victims that the charity sees. The area gives privacy, fresh air and sanctuary to Victims and Witnesses who might be upset, vulnerable or simply struggling that day. The charity’s volunteers give their time freely to assist victims and witnesses.  The new volunteers work space replaces a very small wobbly second-hand desk and makes the Volunteers feel valued and very much a key part of the organisation. The new leaflets provided by Friends Provident International will mean that the message that Victim Support and the Witness Service is here to help, can be spread amongst the island community. Victim Support would like to thank Friends Provident International for the all financial assistance provided and for making the changes possibly.”

Photo: The quiet sanctuary at Victim Support Albert Street