29th March 2007, 07/110
Boost for victims of crime
Victims of crime will have even more help and support on their
doorstep thanks to funding from West Lancashire Community Safety
Partnership (WLCSP).
The partnership, of which the District Council is the lead agency,
has given the West Lancashire branch of Victim Support money to
help with training volunteers and a new outreach base in
Ormskirk.
Initially, the charity has only had outreach premises in
Skelmersdale. But now anyone who has been the victim of or witness
to a crime can make an appointment to see a trained volunteer in
Ormskirk because they have a new room with the Multi Agency Problem
Solving (MAPS) team. This is in addition to the home visits they
offer if the client feels he or she can't travel to see somebody to
talk to.
Steve McKibbin, Victim Support District Manager for West
Lancashire, said: "We are delighted that the WLCSP have been able
to help us improve even further the service we offer. In addition
to our office in Skelmersdale we felt it was necessary to have a
base in Ormskirk too because of the geographical area of West
Lancashire. We want to give our clients as much help as possible
and we know from the feedback we receive that having an office in
Ormskirk is definitely going to help victims even more."
Funding from the WLCSP is also being used to train up any new
volunteers when they join the charity. They are firstly taught how
to support victims of crimes such as burglary, theft and assault.
Then if the volunteer wants to progress and develop their skills
further they can be trained to give support to those who have
suffered from more serious crimes such as rape, domestic violence,
and supporting families bereaved by homicide.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the WLCSP, said: "Victim Support provides
a fantastic service in providing practical support, a listening ear
and empowering those who have suffered at the hands of criminals.
This is why we have provided funding to ensure that they can
continue to deliver this vital service to victims who are trying to
come to terms with what has happened to them."
As well as help and information, Victim Support also provides free
assistance and representation for criminal injuries compensation
claims.
Most cases are referred to Victim Support by the Police, but Victim
Support are also happy to offer a free and confidential service to
people who chose to refer themselves to the organisation. So if you
would like to get in touch for more information or to arrange a
local appointment, please contact the headquarters office on 01772
201142.
For more information about how the Council is carrying out its
community safety role, visit the Community Safety section.
Related information
> Council
news
> Community safety partnership