Carl Barge works at Victim Support Wandsworth as a volunteer. "Most of the people I see tend to have been affected by pretty violent crime. That's not to say though that we don't get people seeking help after things like burglary and bag snatching. You realise doing this work that those things can be incredibly distressing for people too.

"I get such a lot of satisfaction from volunteering. One victim I helped was pretty suicidal after suffering a really nasty assault. We referred him for counselling. I'm pleased to say that a year on he's making progress and I feel I've had some part in that by helping to identify his needs. "I get such a lot of satisfaction from volunteering".

"The thing is you never know who is going to walk in the door next. People are so different in the way they react and the things they need. I've staffed the Victim Support stand at the local branch of ASDA in Clapham Junction. People who you might never have reached otherwise come forward there and it's a great chance to make a difference in their lives.

"This is a pretty mixed area. One thing I've become really aware of is that anyone - irrespective of race, status or anything else - can become a victim of crime. What I try to do is make people realise that being a victim is a temporary state. With the right help and support people can, and frequently do, reclaim their lives."