Crime victims support group appeals for volunteers

AN ORGANISATION that has helped 2,000 victims of crime in the past two years says it urgently needs volunteers in the Limerick and Clare areas to keep up with demand.

Support After Crime Services director Sally Hanlon says that, while her organisation has 40 trained volunteers and two administrative support staff covering the Munster area, it needs people to help it in the two counties.

She made the appeal following the announcement that emergency services from all over Munster are to take part in a special fundraiser to provide her organisation with much-needed funds.

Support After Crime Services, which was established in January 2006, offers emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime. It deals with reported and non-reported crime and receives some funding from the Department of Justice.

Gardaí, the navy, army, fire brigade, ambulance service and prison officers are to hold a golf classic at the Lee Valley Golf Club on May 22.

Ms Hanlon said that the fundraising efforts of the six services would make a big difference to the victims of crime.

“Support After Crime Services gets calls from many members of the emergency services who want to help traumatised victims of crime. We’ve seen a major increase in the demands on our services since we established the group in 2006. The support being offered by all six services is vital to ensure that we can continue to offer support and care for those whose lives have been scarred by crime,” Ms Hanlon said.

The format for the charity event is a three-ball scramble, with an entry cost of €300, which includes a meal. There will be numerous prizes available on the day for longest drive, closest to the pin, etc. Ms Hanlon said the event is also open to other teams to compete.

Anybody wishing to enter a team is asked to contact Support After Crime Services on [phone], or Lee Valley Golf Club at [phone].