Sally Simkins is one of our new child advocates – she makes sure children who are referred to us receive all the services they need to help them recover from trauma caused by crime. 

Sally joined the Embrace team last month – but she’s not new to the charity. 

The mother-of-two is one of 12 volunteers who have been giving their time for free over the past year to help young people and families across the UK who have been victims and witnesses to crime. 

Sally said: “My children lost their father when they were six and I really felt there were not the services available out there to support them through such a harrowing experience. 

It is something I feel really passionately about. I’ve always been good with people and so when I decided upon a career change counselling seemed the natural choice. 

“Joining Embrace was such an easy process. 

“I received lots of support throughout. It was such an invaluable experience. When I finished my placement I applied for a job at the charity. 

“I really love being able to help children who have been through so much. I’ve already signed up for a half marathon next April too so I can fundraise for Embrace too.” 

We work in partnership with Stamford College and City College Peterborough to offer placements to counselling students studying Level 3 courses and above. 

It’s a mutually beneficial relationship for all parties – it gives the colleges access to local placements, enables the students to carry out the practical counselling hours they need for their qualifications and it enables our charity to provide more telephone counselling support to children, young people and their parents across the UK. 

Our volunteers provided 232.5 hours over 386 sessions to 50 children. 

Embrace Chief Executive Anne Campbell said: “We are so grateful to all of our volunteers for their professionalism and commitment and for enabling us to reach many more families in desperate need of our support. We always weocome enquiries from ex-police officers, housing officers or those who have worked in safeguarding roles who might be interested in giving something back in their spare time. We know there is a wealth of expertise and experience and we’d love to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering with us and sharing their skills.” 

If you are interested in volunteering for Embrace please email support@embracecvoc.org.uk.