The impact of volunteering

Restorative Together is an organisation that helps people affected by crime to communicate with the person or people responsible, this is a voluntary process that can help both the victim and person responsible by repairing some of the harm that has been caused to find a way to move forward.

Restorative Justice Coordinator Inger Lowater tells us about the impact that volunteering is having on those affected by crime.

"Here in Wiltshire restorative justice is led by a number of volunteers who give up their free time to undertake training, and support people affected by crime, guiding them through the process and facilitating meetings and communication.

"When asked for feedback, those who have used the service told us:

• "The facilitators did a fantastic job in every way and helped allay all my fears"
• "It was a great help and we appreciate all you did."
• "We can appreciate the value of the service and very much recommend the facilitators."
• "It was a far more useful experience that I could have imagined.  I was very pleasantly surprised!  Most of that was down to the facilitators."
• "Full credit to the team.  I had very little expectation of a successful resolution.  However, the process does seem to have worked.  Well done."
• "RJ workers were experienced and professional."

"The restorative justice process could be a single session or could take a number of week. Our volunteers commit to supporting the process and working with that individual no matter how long the process takes.

"At Restorative Together we feel very lucky to work with such professional, dedicated and inspiring volunteers, they make a big difference to our team. The work they do is having a huge impact and changing the lives of those affected by crime."