Lancashire Victim Services launch new online support system for victims of crime

Called My Support Space, the free resource has been developed by Victim Support and is delivered locally by Lancashire Victim Services, offering a confidential and safe space where people can choose how they want to be supported following a crime including - pertinently, during this coronavirus epidemic - ways to access support from your own home.

Offering a range of tools to help people cope and move forward following a crime, My Support Space has a series of interactive guides which address their specific needs and which feature videos, techniques, activities, and tips.

“Victim Support is committed to ensuring that victims of crime receive effective support in a way that works for them," said Claire Powell, Contract Manager at Lancashire Victim Services. "We are delighted to launch My Support Space in Lancashire as it gives victims new and innovative ways of accessing support, even when they’re self-isolating.

“My Support Space contains guides on a variety of topics, such as difficult emotions, coping strategies, trauma, and sleep," added Claire. "We know that these are common issues that people may face after crime, but are even more important during the coronavirus outbreak, as victims find the justice process essentially paused.”

Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, added: “I am pleased to see new ways of support becoming available at a time when victims may need it most. These new resources are available now so please contact Lancashire Victim Services to access them if you are struggling following a crime.

“Lancashire Victim Services’ support line also remains open. If you would like to speak to someone for emotional support, advice or practical help please contact the service.”

Victims of crime can contact Lancashire Victim Services on 0300 323 0085, use the live chat at lancashirevictimservices.org, or email info@lancashirevictimservices.org.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you