At the age of eight I had an accident while on a trip with the Cubs. I fell and severed an artery in my wrist. My life was saved by a volunteer leader knowing what to do in an emergency and getting me to hospital. When I came out of hospital I told my parents that I'd like to be a volunteer and help people too.

I've been a volunteer for 44 years altogether, helping with boys clubs, the Scouts and for 20 years I was a volunteer with MENCAP. I decided to volunteer for Victim Support when I received a mail-out asking for people who'd like to help to get in touch. Before I was accepted as a volunteer I had to have Police checks and undergo hours of training, including being taught listening skills.

There are more than 40 organisations which aim to help offenders, but Victim Support is the only group which helps victims. We deal with people who have been victims of all sorts of different crimes, from burglary to domestic violence or racial abuse. Training is offered to volunteers who want to specialise in different fields. We contact people who have been victims to see if they want to talk to somebody and if they feel it would help, we go and visit them. For a lot of people, talking to a stranger is easier than sharing your feelings with family or friends.

We can also go to court to support witnesses. For lots of people this is their first experience of a courtroom and we can take them to the court before the trial so they know what to expect. We also help by suggesting strategies for avoiding crime in the future.

The service is highly confidential and we have to exercise tact and patience in dealing with victims. Some volunteers have been victims of crime themselves. Crimes don't have to be reported in order for us to visit people - victims can contact us direct without going to the Police.

Being a volunteer can be stressful but it's also very rewarding. If I can help other people to overcome their problems, I feel like I'm doing something worthwhile. After all, how would you feel if someone beat you up or pinched your life savings?