92 years young and still going strong as a Victim Support Volunteer in North Tyneside
A 92-year-old man from Whitley Bay is proving that age is no barrier when it comes to helping others.
For the past 15 years, Ted Ellis has been a dedicated Victim Support Volunteer with North Tyneside Council, helping around 50 victims of antisocial behaviour by offering practical and emotional support.
He started volunteering after he and his wife, Jean, experienced a burglary at their home in Whitley Bay. Despite a lack of evidence to bring the culprit to justice, the ordeal sparked a desire to assist others in recovering from similar experiences.
“We knew who’d done it,” says Ted, “but we had no proof because there were no fingerprints. We just had to let that go and I suppose the volunteering started from there.
“I just like meeting people, and I thought there could be somebody who was worse off than me. In the beginning, I couldn’t do much because I was away working all week, but once I retired, I did more, as much as I could.”
Ted’s energy and endurance, reminiscent of his days as a long-distance lorry driver, continues to shine through his volunteer work, making a difference in the lives of those affected by crime and ASB.
He understands the importance of having someone independent to talk to during difficult times and often provides his personal contact information to those he supports, allowing them to reach out when necessary.
“I’m a people person and I suppose having someone independent to talk to makes a difference. Once I get to know somebody and I know I can trust them, I’ll give them my own number so they can message me on a Saturday or Sunday. But I advise them that if it’s something serious they should always dial 999.
“I’ve made a few friends along the way. When I can’t go out, which has been quite a lot lately, I just keep in touch with them by phone. I still enjoy doing it.”
His remarkable dedication and selflessness have not gone unnoticed; he has received awards and commendations, including one from former Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird and North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor Dame Norma Redfearn DBE.
Now he is the council’s ASB Hero for ASB Awareness Week 2023, a campaign organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, which highlights the huge impact anti-social behaviour has on those experiencing it and demonstrates what action can be taken to address it.
Claire Hardy, Acting Team Leader of the Community Protection Team, acknowledges the vital role played by Ted and all victim support volunteers. She said: “Ted and all the victim support volunteers play a pivotal role in helping us support residents affected by anti-social behavior. They may not wear a North Tyneside uniform, but they are firmly a part of our team and our approach to victims. We could not do it without each and every one of them.”
Councillor Karen Clark, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour, describes Ted as a great example of an ‘ASB Hero’ in ASB Awareness Week who embodies compassion and dedication.
She said: “Through his longstanding commitment, Ted has touched the lives of numerous victims, providing them with guidance, comfort, and support following a traumatic experience.
“His ability to lend a listening ear and offer emotional and practical support has made him an invaluable asset to the community and for those who are seeking justice and healing.”
Victim Support Volunteers offer practical and emotional support on a one-to-one basis over the phone and in person. The team offers ongoing training and support with development opportunities and are always looking to expand the service to enable us to help more victims of anti-social behaviour.
If you would like further information on volunteering with the Victim Support service please contact Claire Hardy or Dawn France on 0191 643 3333 or community.protection@northtyneside.gov.uk for a cuppa and chat.