County Derry woman reflects on volunteering with NSPCC NI Young Witness Service

Coleraine woman reflects on how supporting young people, who have to attend court as witnesses, has enriched her life and led her to start training to become a social worker.

Decoa Graham is the mother and sole carer of two sons, both with additional needs. Originally employed by the Civil Service, the 41-year-old decided to resign from her job to devote herself to looking after the children as there was no other care available for them. She very much enjoyed having the time to spend with her boys and has absolutely no regrets about putting her career on hold as she saw the clear benefits of being able to support them when they needed it.

However, as they grew up and spent more time at school and gained more independence, Decoa decided she wanted to do something for herself and, ideally, something that would help other people.

She was studying to achieve counselling qualifications and that, together with her experience with her own children, led her to find out more about the work of NSPCC Northern Ireland’s Young Witness Service.

The free and independent service, which is funded by the Department of Justice NI and the only one of its kind in the UK, was created in 1999 to support children who have to go to court as prosecution witnesses. It provides help and guidance to young people under 18 years old and operates in every Crown, Magistrates’ and Youth Court in Northern Ireland. Last year, it provided support to almost 500 children as well as their families.  The Young Witness Service could not survive without its amazing team of volunteers.

Decoa said: “It was a privilege to be a full-time parent, but I also loved my counselling course and wondered if it might be possible to find some sort of volunteering role to put the skills I had acquired into action. My course tutor had worked with NSPCC Northern Ireland and knew all about the Young Witness Service and suggested I investigate doing some volunteering with them. I think that hearing from someone who had personal experience of the charity and knew my skills and interests gave me the confidence to find out more – and I’m so glad I did!

“I think a lot of people don’t really consider what it’s like for children to attend court but it’s daunting enough for an adult so for a child it’s hard to imagine just how intimidating and nerve- racking it can be. I was really inspired at the thought of being able to do something so worthwhile and also the opportunity to be trained in something new to help me support young people.

“Young Witness Service volunteers meet the young person on the day of the case or before it starts and support them throughout it. This is vital because parents or guardians cannot stay with their children when they give evidence and this can be very distressing for the young person.

"The volunteers take time to explain to them what to expect at court, who they will meet and help them navigate their way through the system. We stay with them when they give evidence - sometimes this is done remotely in special remote evidence centres which have video-links to court.  Although we aren’t permitted to speak to them once cross-examination starts, we are there as a reassuring and familiar presence.”

NSPCC NI’s volunteer, Decoa Graham, who is from Coleraine

Decoa continued: “Inevitably, there can be long waits during trials, and this can be challenging for children and make them very anxious. I sit with them at this time and while we never discuss the case, we can chat and I try to keep them as relaxed as possible to take their mind off the whole situation. Some children like to play games or cards with me which is a good distraction and some just like to play on their phones which is also fine - whatever they want, we are there to support them.

“There’s no denying you can hear some sad and shocking things in this role and, certainly, it’s been brought home to me that life can be really tough for some children. However, that’s what makes the volunteering so worthwhile – you know you are needed and you know you’re helping someone when they are in a stressful situation.

"There’s a very supportive team of NSPCC staff who are there for all the volunteers and can give advice or just listen if you’ve heard something upsetting and want to get it off your chest. I don’t need to do that very often but it’s reassuring to know it’s available – especially at the beginning.”

Speaking of the training provided by NSPCC Northern Ireland, Decoa continued: “The training provided is absolutely excellent and so thorough – I enjoyed it very much because I had limited knowledge of the court processes and all the intricacies of being a witness.

“I met NSPCC staff, lawyers, barristers, members of PSNI, took part in in role play and had trips to see the courts. I also met existing volunteers and heard directly from them what it was like to be a part of the Service and then shadowed them to see exactly what was involved. It was all really fascinating.

“Now I am a fully-fledged volunteer, I attend courts in the areas where I’m needed and I have been involved in cases in Bishop Street in the North West, Ballymena, Antrim, Coleraine and Belfast. I enjoy seeing the different courts but volunteers can choose courts near to them and don’t have to travel far afield if it doesn’t suit.  

"The Service is very flexible and although there is a minimum commitment, I find that I can easily work this role around my studies and family commitments.”

Decoa added: “One thing I hadn’t really expected was the social aspect of being a volunteer - I’ve met people of all ages and from all walks of life and made great friends. To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive that I might not fit in, but everyone has been so welcoming and made me feel completely at ease. We have special volunteer events throughout the year - last year we had one in a local hotel and the other was a picnic in Ballintoy. These are invaluable as the courts are busy and there isn’t much time to chat– also, they’re great fun. 

Decoa is a wonderful ambassador for the Service – she is a fabulous volunteer but has also discovered a new calling to be a social worker, having worked with us which I thought might inspire others.

“I can’t overestimate how much I relish this role and how glad I am to have taken the initial plunge. I had been telling one of my friends about it and now he has joined up too and is really enjoying it. We always need more volunteers and I would encourage anyone who thinks it sounds interesting, to get in touch for a chat with the Young Witness Service staff and find out more. I think the only thing you really need to volunteer with the Service is to be a ‘people person’, who wants to help children and enjoys learning new things - that’s all that matters.”

Decoa concluded: “The other thing I really hadn’t expected was that my volunteering would lead to a completely new career direction for me. I was still working on my counselling course when I started with the Service and had applied for my Level 4 qualification.  

"However, after my experience of volunteering, I realised that my real calling was to be a social worker. Now, at the age of 41, I’m working on my degree, and I could not be more excited about my future. Volunteering with NSPCC Northern Ireland’s Young Witness Service has changed my life – and it’s brilliant!”

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For further information on volunteering with NSPCC Northern Ireland’s Young Witness Service, please contact billy.eagleson@nspcc.org.uk or 07825948244 or at  https://www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/volunteering-nspcc-childline/volunteer-young-witness-service/

A focused training session for new Young Witness Volunteer recruits will take place in Derry area during November. To find out more information please contact billy.eagleson@nspcc.org.uk or 07825948244.