North Simcoe Victim Services (NSVS) is looking for empathetic volunteers who want to make a difference in the community.
On Feb. 12, NSVS is hosting an information session for prospective volunteers at the Orillia Public Library at 6:30 p.m.
"People who attend will learn about how we support the first responders," said the agency's volunteer coordinator, Sherry Telford. "They will learn what is required of them and different scenarios that they may encounter."
NSVS has been struggling with its volunteer base due to many long-time volunteers retiring from the role.
"They just want to enjoy their retirement now with no obligation," Telford said. "Some have also left to join the OPP."
NSVS is looking for 20 new volunteers who will work alongside local police and emergency services to offer assistance to victims of crime or tragic circumstances. Trainees must go through 60 hours of training before becoming crisis volunteers.
"Our training is very intense," Telford said. "We try to go through every possible scenario that they could go through."
Guest speakers — including veteran volunteers, first responders, and survivors of tragic situations — attend training to give volunteers some insight into how to handle situations they will encounter.
"After training they always go into the field with a volunteer," Telford adds.
Telford says volunteering at NSVS is the ultimate way to give back to the community.
"It's a great way to help people," she said. "Sometimes volunteers are people who have used our services and would like to give back."
Telford says you must be "empathetic and a great listener" to be a volunteer.
"We are not there to give advice," she said. "We are the short-term bridge to help people find resources and carry on with their journey."
Volunteers can make a big difference for somebody in crisis, Telford says.
"We've had people call and express how much volunteers have helped them," she said. "In that moment of chaos, people often don't know what the next step is."
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, pass a criminal record check, and have access to a vehicle. Those planning on attending the information session are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected].
