“As Partnership Service Manager for the NSPCC Young Witness Service, I am extremely proud of the support we offer to all young people who are required to attend court across Northern Ireland in Magistrate, Crown and Youth cases. Our team of practitioners and volunteers are key in ensuring that Young people are placed at the centre of the criminal justice system, that their rights are heard and advocated for and they receive individualised support which is responsive to their needs. Our volunteers provide excellent support to families and feedback on the value of the service is continually fed back to us.”
“Within my role I have the opportunity to ensure young witnesses voices are heard at a strategic and Governmental level, up to the Criminal Justice Board and the Department of Justice. We work closely with our partner agencies, the Prosecution service, Police Service NI, Courts and Tribunal service and Victim Support NI to ensure that young people feel they are treated fairly and respectfully through their journey through the Criminal Justice system.”
As a Young Witness volunteer you'll provide information and advice to children and young people who have to give evidence at court – as well as their family and friends. You'll support these young witnesses before, during and after the trial, working alongside social workers and other trained employees. As a Young Witness volunteer, you'll get to:
We only provide this service in Northern Ireland, where we support young witnesses and their families to give evidence in court. As a Young Witness volunteer, you'll be provided with all the training and support you need to play your part, which includes:
Have a look at our open opportunities near where you live: