There are concerns about the future of a group that's been helping emergency workers and crime victims.

Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service (VCARS) helps people deal with tragedies and is an agency that Barrie police rely on heavily.

“After seeing victim’s services come out to many scenes that I’ve been on, it really drills home the importance of it,” says Const. Sarah Bamford. “Without victim services I think a lot of people would feel left alone.”

VCARS helped almost 800 people last year, working with eight different police forces across Simcoe County, but because of staffing cuts, VCARS needs volunteers now more than ever.

While volunteers can be called in to help provide support for victims of car crashes and fires, the most frequent request is to help those, who have suffered as a result of domestic violence.

“We're there as a practical or as emotional support, depending on what that person’s needs are,” says volunteer Karen Boylan.

Boylan is a volunteer and says being a good listener is one of the most important qualities a volunteer must have.

“Some people maybe have never experienced a huge tragedy or crisis,” says Boylan. “It doesn’t mean that they can't understand or be empathetic.”

For more information on how to volunteer you can click here.