Telford charity's new base to help victims of crime

"At the time it happened, I was going around every pawn shop in Telford for months, hoping to see it," she says.

"I had just been widowed, and the jewellery was very special. There was a locket, which had got a picture of my husband and two children in it, they took my engagement ring and my wedding ring. I would have paid well over the price just to get something back."

Today, Mrs Kirk, now 75, is one of the longest-serving volunteers with Victim Support in Shropshire. West Mercia's deputy police and crime commissioner Barrie Sheldon yesterday launched the charity's new office in Telford – its first base in the town since the 1990s – and now officials are looking for more volunteers to come forward.

Mrs Kirk says support for crime victims has come on in leaps and bounds since the time her house was broken into in 1991.

"On paper, it was just a burglary, and it was just expensive jewellery that was insured," she says.

"The insurance company was wonderful, but that never can replace your wedding ring or a treasured locket with a picture of your family in it."

It was a kindly community police officer that made her realise that she would be able to help other people in her position.

"The local constable realised I was more upset than I thought I would be, he used to knock on my door to come in for a cup of coffee," she says.

"He was very supportive. It was him who suggested that I should look at volunteering for Victim Support."

At the time, the charity was based at a small office in Shifnal, and at that time the service was fairly rudimentary.

"I might just be told 'this woman's had a burglary, can you go and have a chat?'," she says. "Now it is much more sophisticated, we will carry out security checks and risk assessments."

She says it is crimes involving children and teenagers which often leave the biggest impression on her.

She added: "Because they are still growing up, their picture of life is going to be influenced by what has happened, whereas if you are an adult with a bit more experience, you can maybe put it in a bit more proportion."

The new base, at Meeting Point House in Southwater Square, has been funded by the office of West Mercia's police and crime commissioner.

The charity has for some time been using the building as somewhere to meet victims of crime. While the charity will not be able to offer a drop-in service from the new office – visits will be by appointment only – senior victim services manager Jean Garner says having a full-time presence in Telford will make a big difference.

"It's great to be part of the community," she says. "There are so many other charities based here, it means that if we need to speak to say Age UK, it's a case of just running up the stairs and speaking to somebody face-to-face, rather than having to do things over the phone."

At the moment the charity has a total of 15 volunteers in Shropshire, who will be split between Meeting Point House and the existing base in Shrewsbury. Mrs Garner is appealing for more people to come forward to help. "I would like at least another 10 volunteers to help us," she says.

"Volunteers visit crime victims at home to listen to their concerns, arrange practical support and give information and advice. We also need volunteers to spread the word by visiting schools, colleges and giving talks." Mrs Garner says training, which is accredited by City & Guilds, is provided, and that expenses are paid.

Hayley Lane, a specially trained children's case-worker, will be based at the office. The 29-year-old joined the staff of Victim Support last year after five years as a volunteer.

"It is extremely rewarding, being able to help somebody," she says.

Anybody interested in volunteering can telephone (01952) 458625 or email Shropshire@victimsup port.org.uk anybody requiring help from Victim Support can call 0300 303 1977.