A CHARITY which supports the victims of crime is appealing for help from the public.

More volunteers are urgently needed to continue the the work of Victim Support County Durham.

The organisation's band of community-based supporters provided free and confidential support to 16,071 victims and 2,473 witnesses last year. After undergoing a restructured last summer, the group is staging its first annual meeting tomorrow and is urging any potential volunteers to attend.

Victim Support's training and development manager, Gail Murphy, warned that without an injection of additional volunteers the organisation's future levels of service might have to be curtailed.

A group of 130 volunteers visits victims in their homes and provides support for witnesses attending magistrates and crown courts.

Mrs Murphy said: "It sounds like a lot of people and, of course, it is. Many individual volunteers are able to give up only a few hours each week and we are grateful for that. But a great many people are left devastated by crime and we are the only organisation geared up to help.

"Demand for our support continues to grow and to meet those very real needs we are looking for more help."

Neither experience nor qualifications are required.

Full training, supervision and mentoring is provided, plus out-of-pocket expenses.

Volunteers offer victims and witnesses a friendly ear, information on police and court procedures, reassurance and emotional support, help with compensation and insurance applications, crime prevention advice and assists with housing or benefit problems. Victim Support helpers are from a variety of backgrounds, and come forward for many reasons, but all with a willingness to help others.

Tomorrow's meeting is at County Hall, Durham City, at 5.30pm.

Anyone interested in volunteering to work for Victim Support can call Ms Murphy, on 0191-383 9946, for details.