Redbridge volunteers who help victims of crime rebuild their lives have been awarded for their incredible work.

Charity Victim Support, based in Woodford Green, has around 160 volunteers covering Redbridge, Havering, Barking and Dagenham and Waltham Forest.

They give up their time to help people affected by anything from burglary to rape and murder.

Last week, volunteers from all four boroughs came together at the charity’s north east London headquarters in Southend Road for an afternoon tea and certificate presentation.

Some were also given awards for milestones of service from five to 10 years.

One Redbridge volunteer, Shelley Deutsch, has been volunteering at Victim Support for 20 years. She has been invited to the Queen’s Garden Party later this month in recognition of her work.

Manager Shelley Hart said the charity couldn’t do its work without people giving up their time.

She added: “We like to hold an event to show our appreciation for all the good work they do.

“They help people through the trauma of their experiences.”

If you would like to join the volunteers at Victim Support, call 020 8550 2410 for information on how to get involved.