Victims and Witnesses of Crime Court Support (VWCCS), which has more than 100 volunteers in six Sydney courts, will expand to Orange next year.

Its president and founder Pieta Thornton and vice-president Maggie Weiley said they felt positive about the pilot program’s chances of success after meeting with police and council representatives in Orange.

“We’ve had an excellent response, as expected. Everyone has been progressive, proactive and really enthusiastic,” Ms Thornton said.

VWCCS was established in 2006 and is staffed entirely by volunteers who are trained to prepare witnesses for the experience of giving evidence, provide information about victims’ counselling and compensation entitlements, explain legal terminology and liaise with the prosecution and police.

One of the reasons for VWCCS choosing Orange for its pilot program was the high rate of crime across a number of categories including break and enter and sexual assault.

However, the positive aspects of the city were also a factor in the decision.

“We also thought there was a good community spirit here. We thought it would be owned and managed by the people of Orange. That appealed to us given the fact that it’s a pilot program,” Ms Thornton said.

About 12 volunteers in Orange and two in Cowra will be needed to provide the service.

While domestic violence-related services already exist, VWCCS can be used by a victim or witness of any type of offence.

“The witness sits on the periphery and I think a lot of people feel quite isolated because of that. We are there for them and them alone,” Ms Thornton said.

Ms Weiley said the service encouraged victims to come to terms with the crime and take the opportunity to tell their story to the court with a victim impact statement.

“We really encourage people to write those victim impact statements. It’s the first time that they are able to explain what the crime meant for them,” she said.

VWCCS volunteers will undergo a five day training course covering aspects of the court process, basic counselling, substance abuse and mental health issues and victims’ services.

Volunteers do not need a legal background or any other specialist training.

“The key characteristic is wanting to engage with people and assist them,” Ms Thornton said.

Potential volunteers will be interviewed and must undergo their training and a police check before doing supervised court support work.

Anyone interested in volunteering should email vwccs@ozemail.com.au.