BIG changes are in the pipeline for a West Devon charity, after proposals for a national review was announced at its annual meeting recently.

Chairman of West Devon Victim Support Rosie Jackson welcomed Lord Morley, the mayors of West Devon and Tavistock and West Devon police commander Chief Inspector Chris Amos to the meeting, held at Abbey Rise in Tavistock.

Mrs Jackson introduced development worker Veryan Barnaby, who has been appointed by the national office of Victim Support to undertake a review of the Devon groups.

Victim Support is hoping to transfer routine administration away from local co-ordinators to area offices, freeing local co-ordinators of paperwork and allowing to concentrate more on service provision.

It is likely that local schemes would no longer need their own management committees but would come under a Devon area 'umbrella', which would streamline activities and cut down on costs.

Vivienne Iles of West Devon Victim Support said: 'There are nine schemes in Devon — most of them have paid employees, we are the only one which is voluntary.

'It makes sense really, rather than having lots of different management committees.'

Mrs Iles said the changes should not affect people using the services provided by Victim Support.

'We will still have the same volunteers here,' she said.

She said Mr Barnaby would be circulating questionnaires to all the Devon schemes, meeting with co-ordinators, committee chairmen and volunteers before submitting a report to the Devon area office.

The proposals were welcomed by Mrs Jackson, who promised West Devon's 'full co-operation'.

She also thanked the police in Tavistock and Okehampton for their 'unfailing support' and co-operation and the many businesses and organisations who have generously helped towards the scheme's fundraising.

Mrs Jackson also paid tribute to West Devon Victim Support co-ordinator Pauline Hilton for her invaluable work with the management committee and volunteers under her supervision.

West Devon Victim Support works to help those who have been affected by any types of crime in the area.

Volunteers offer support if a case comes to court, and after the court case if required.