Commissioner meets crime victims, shining light on local support

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, has visited Victim Support to see first-hand how specialist teams commissioned by his Office are helping victims of crime across the county.

Funded by Commissioner Grunshaw, Victim Support provide free, confidential, and non-judgemental support to anyone in Lancashire affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. Through its Nest Lancashire team, another specialist service delivered by Victim Support, young victims of crime aged 5 to 18 can access dedicated support, helping them to move forward and feel safe again.

The support available ranges from listening and emotional support to safety planning and coping strategies. The Nest Lancashire team also works with Lancashire schools and directly with you

ng people to build confidence and increase understanding of what healthy relationships look like.

As well as meeting service managers, Mr Grunshaw also had the opportunity to meet survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, who shared how vital the service has been in supporting their recovery. In addition to the emotional support offered, it was clear that receiving guidance through the Criminal Justice System was a vital part of the assistance provided by Victim Support.

Following the visit, Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “Ensuring that victims of crime have access to support is a key part of my role and, hearing from survivors who have worked with Victim Support, it’s clear just how important and life changing it can be.

“It’s evident how passionate Victim Support and Nest Lancashire are about making a difference and helping victims to cope and recover.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I remain committed to funding and commissioning services that ensure dedicated, specialist help is available when people need it most.”

Tom Edwards, Deputy Service Director for Victim Support, said:

“We were really pleased to welcome the Commissioner to meet our team.

“Being able to provide support for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and seeing the positive impact it has on people’s lives is a real privilege and it is what drives our team to provide the best support we possibly can to anyone who needs us.”

John Ainscough, Children and Young People Operations Manager for Nest Lancashire, added:

“At Nest Lancashire we’re really proud of the work that we do to support children and young people who have been impacted by crime.

“Each young person is different and will have different needs. We’re here to work with with children and young people in a way that suits them best by offering support that is tailored to them.”

Further information about specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence support is available at victimsupport.org.uk/lancashire. Information about Nest Lancashire is available at nestlancashire.org.