Our History

Victim Support Isle of Man was formally established in 1999 as a Manx Registered Charity. It was established by a small group of volunteers, including our current Patron Mrs Elaine Christian MBE, who recognised the need to introduce a tried and tested method of working with victims and witnesses of crime.

The committee of volunteers worked with the Minister for Home Affairs and other agencies such as the Isle of Man Constabulary to ensure that the objectives and aims of the organisation were properly established.

During 1999 public meetings were held around the Island introducing Victim Support’s aims and objectives, and why there was a need for such a scheme on the Island. The first co-ordinator of the Charity was Jan Carling, who set up the organisation from home, which included advertising for, selecting and training suitable volunteers, developing policies and procedures, locating suitable premises as well as running the organisation day-to-day.

The first volunteers were trained in November 1999, and our Albert Street premises were secured in December 1999, which were officially opened (on time!) on 4th January 2000.

Under Jan’s management, the organisation continued to grow and develop taking on working with more complex cases as well as supporting people with Criminal Injuries Compensation claims.

In 2003, Jan left Victim Support and Paula Gelling came into post as Manager, and remained with the organisation until the summer of 2022. Paula, with the support of the volunteer Board of Trustees, helped to grow and develop the organisation further, taking on additional members of staff, particularly in Welfare Officer roles.
Due to employing staff, the Trustees established Victim Support Isle of Man as an Isle of Man Limited Company Limited by Guarantee in January 2006. The organisation has continued to grow and has seen a steadily increasing number of referrals in clients over the years.

Paula left in the summer of 2022, and the organisation took some time to reflect on what roles were needed to take it forward. In May 2023, Lorna Trevethan joined as CEO and her focus is very much on the operational side of the organisation and she does not meet with clients individually. Clients are now very ably supported by a team of 3 Welfare Officers and volunteers. Lorna is assisted operationally by a part-time administrator along with volunteers.

2024 will see the organisation celebrate its 25th Anniversary with a series of events and plans that will cement it for the next 25 years!