Service keeps up vital support for crime victims as it hits milestone
APRIL marks the third anniversary of Lancashire Victim Services’ (LVS) multi-crime hubs. Support continues to be available during the pandemic and LVS are committed to ensuring that help can be accessed by anyone affected by crime in Lancashire.
The service provides support for victims of all types of crime from its four hubs based in Accrington, Blackpool, Lancaster and Preston.
Specialist support is available to victims of domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault, hate crime and young people.
Over the past year the service received over 67,000 referrals from across the county with emotional support and practical help provided to those who needed it.
Claire Powell, Account Manager at LVS, said: “It is a strange time for an anniversary but it gives us the opportunity to highlight that all our services are open for business.
“Our message is simple. “If you have been affected by any type of crime, whether recently or in the past, we are here to support you.
“It is important for people to know that our specialist support services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence and hate crime also remain available during the pandemic.
“Young people affected by crime, bullying or harassment continue to be supported by our Nest Lancashire team who help under 18s with anything they might need.
“We have implemented new ways of working which means that there are different options for people to speak to us remotely.
“We also have a live chat on our website and a variety of self-help resources which we can make available for people to access from home through our online service ‘My Support Space’.
“If there is anything you need following a crime, please get in touch, we are here to help.”
Feedback to Lancashire Victim Services’ support offer has been positive with one service user saying: “I feel so much better after speaking with you, it is amazing what a chat can do.
“Can I just say that we clap for the NHS every Thursday evening but I will be clapping for your team this evening.
“During this terrible time you are still there for us people that need you when I am sure you all have families and loved ones to care for as well. Thank you “
Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, added:
“It’s fantastic to hear such positive feedback.
“These are challenging times for us all but if you have fallen victim to crime, during the pandemic or before, it might make things even tougher.
“I am pleased to know that LVS are doing all they can to continue to offer their support whilst ensuring the safety of staff and those they help.
“I commission these services to ensure that expert help is available across the county, please don’t suffer in silence and contact them if you need support.”
Anyone affected by crime in Lancashire can contact Lancashire Victim Services on 0300 323 0085, use the live chat at www. lancashirevictimservices. org or email info@ lancashirevictimservices. org.