Lancashire Victim Services has launched a new programme to accredit business in Lancashire as Victim Friendly Organisations.
It offers local organisations the opportunity to train staff on the impact of crime, the support available and how to best communicate with someone who has fallen victim. Organisations will also learn more about the offering of Lancashire Victim Services and how to refer staff in when they need support.
Lancashire Victim Services, funded by the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner and part of national charity Victim Support, offers immediate and long-term support to victims of all crimes. Their team of specialist case workers provide practical help and emotional support, whether or not they choose to report the incident to the police.
The Victim Friendly Organisation programme launched this week with its first two organisations signing up, local Blackburn based grassroots charity IMO (Inspire Motivate Overcome) and Blackpool Transport.
Faye Speed from Lancashire Victim Services, said: “The Victim Friendly Organisation programme is open to businesses, clubs, societies and other charities who want to help us in supporting victims of crime.
“Once signed up, organisations will go through initial training on supporting victims of crime and then have access to specialist workshops on specific crime types such as domestic abuse and hate crime.
It’s a great opportunity for individuals to learn new skills and for organisations to become part of a wider community helping to tackle the impact of crime in Lancashire.”
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “Supporting victims of crime is a key priority for me so to see this programme launch in Lancashire is really exciting.
“I set up Lancashire Victim Services to ensure that victims of crime can access the help and support they need and to see the service work with other organisations to train their staff and to raise awareness of the support available is fantastic.”
“I’m delighted to see Blackpool Transport and IMO become the first Victim Friendly Organisations in the county and I hope this will give even more people the confidence and the information they need to access support if they have fallen victim to crime.”
Jane Cole, Managing Director at Blackpool Transport said: “We are delighted to sign up to be a Victim Friendly organisation. We are committed to ensuring that our staff are trained on how to positively signpost people who have been a victim of crime. We look forward to building a positive and long-lasting relationship with Victim Support who are experts in providing the key skills and knowledge for Blackpool Transport staff”
Stephen Jones from IMO, said: “I am delighted that IMO is one of the first organisations in Lancashire towards becoming a Victim Friendly Organisation. Following this launch we will be sharing more information with local partners and public on how to signpost people and what support is being offered locally and nationally for victims”.
For more information on how to become a Victim Friendly Organisation contact faye.speed@victimsupport.org.uk.
