A CAMPAIGN has been launched to recruit 120 volunteers to offer victims of crime the chance to meet the offender responsible.

A similar number of volunteers have already been recruited for a Darlington pilot project and now Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg is hoping for volunteers to come forward from County Durham.

Volunteers will support a Restorative Hub being launched next year to run the restorative justice scheme, in which offenders come face-to-face with their victims to take responsibility for their crimes.

Mr Hogg said: "Restorative Justice is highly valued by victims as it gives them a voice and a chance to get the answers and explanation they deserve. This often helps them to recover and restores their peace of mind.

"For offenders, the process helps them understand and take responsibility for the harm they’ve caused.

“Evidence shows that offenders who meet their victims in a restorative justice process are less likely to reoffend."

Andrew Hancock, one of the scheme’s coordinators, said: "We’re looking for fair-minded people who want to make a positive contribution to their community. No experience is necessary as full training will be given”.

Successful applicants will be awarded £625 funding to allow them to complete the training programme, which will run at various locations between February and June next year.

Volunteers are then asked to work around three hours a week with victims and offenders for the first 18 months after qualifying.

For further details, contact the Restorative Hub on 0300 003 1818 or email kevin.thompson@darlington.gov.uk.

There will also be a chance to meet staff and volunteers at a Criminal Justice Volunteers Fair to be held at Police Headquarters in Durham, on Wednesday, January 5 from 6pm to 8pm.