Manx Lottery Trust has awarded Victim Support Isle of Man more than £49,000 from the Dormant Assets Fund.

The money is being used to help fund a volunteer coordinator and training officer.

The new position, which was filled by Gemma Sutton in December 2021, will enable the charity to expand and improve its use of volunteers to help with current and future challenges in both fundraising and generating income.

It is hoped that the role will introduce new ways of working within the team and provide volunteers with the opportunity to develop and utilise a wide range of skills, while boosting the charity’s ability to cope with the increased demand for support.

Paula Gelling, manager at Victim Support Isle of Man, said: ’We are indebted to Manx Lottery Trust for this generous grant.

’It will open up new opportunities for training and development within our team and ensure our quality of services are maintained and improved.

’We are really looking forward to seeing Gemma progress in the volunteer coordinator and training officer role - she has already hit the ground running and is making a positive contribution to our operations.’

Sarah Kelly, chairman of the Manx Lottery Trust, added: ’We are delighted to award this grant to such an important cause.

’The new role will give Victim Support the additional funding it needs to continue its great work in the Manx community.’

Victim Support Isle of Man is an independent organisation supporting victims of crime.

In 2006, it changed from a charity to a company limited by guarantee to protect its trustees who are also volunteers.

It currently receives an annual £77,750 contribution from the Isle of Man Department of Home Affairs for its main work.

No funding is received from Victim Support UK.

Visit the Manx Lottery Trust website for more information on available grant programmes and information on how to apply: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes/