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New service launched to
support young victims of crime in Lancashire
A brand new service aimed at helping
young victims of crime living in Lancashire has been launched by Police and
Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw. The service; 'Nest Lancashire' provides
confidential support and advice for young people who have experienced crime
either as a victim or as a witness.
The Commissioner launched his new service on a special visit to Blackpool 6th
Form College, on Wednesday, 29 June 2016. Youngsters aged 10 to 18 will benefit from
1 to 1 support, group sessions with other young people, access to sports and
social activities and help to rebuild their confidence and to feel safe again
following an incident.
The service also offers support in reporting a crime and going through the
Criminal Justice System should a case go to Court. It doesn't matter if the
crime took place a long time ago or if it hasn't been reported to the police.
Nest Lancashire forms part of Lancashire Victim Services which was established
by the Commissioner to offer support to all victims of crime across the county
after PCCs were made responsible for commissioning victim services locally in
April 2015. The service will be delivered through a consortium of local
providers with experience in working with young people which is led by
Groundwork.
As part of his visit to Blackpool 6th Form College the Commissioner met with
local students as part of the launch. Clive Grunshaw said:- "I have
launched Nest Lancashire to ensure that Lancashire's young people can access the
support they deserve following a crime. Being a victim of crime can be a very
difficult thing to get over and Nest offers extra comfort and support,
particularly to those who may not have family support or struggle to share their
ordeal with loved ones.
Nest Lancashire will ensure that our young people can access support when they
need it in a way that suits them best.
It's been fantastic to visit Blackpool 6th Form College to tell the students
about the service and to be able to answer their questions."
Mike Crowther, Programme Director for Groundwork added:- "We are delighted
to be working in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner's office.
Groundwork is all about changing places and changing lives. We are really
looking forward to using our experience of working with young people and our
understanding of the key issues that affect them, to ensure that young victims
of crime receive the vital support they need, where and when they need it."
Blackpool 6th form student Joseph Piper, 17, who is studying BTEC Level 3 Public
Services commented:- "I think the Nest Lancashire service is a really good
idea. The support and counselling is very important for young people who are
victims of crime. I also like the offer of things like free sports activities
which would be a good way for young people to cope with the stress of being a
victim of crime."
Fellow Public Services student, Jerdine Farrell, 17, said:- "I think it's
important that every young person who is a victim of crime gets individual help
that is personalised to their needs." She welcomed the Nest Lancashire
service, saying that it would help provide a 'safety net' for young people.
Young people can text:- 60777 or call the local number:- 0300 111 0323 to get help.
A new
website offering help, support and advice will be up and running soon. |
