Victim Care Merseyside hub launched by region's Police Commissioner

A new service designed to provide enhanced care and support for all victims of crime in St Helens Borough has launched.

The Victim Care Merseyside hub launched across the region by the Police and Crime Commissioner, provides free, confidential, non-judgemental advice and support for all victims of crime, no matter when the incident happened or whether it was reported to the police or not.

Delivered by a local team of 15 specialist Victim Care Advisers and managers, the hub is a single point of contact for victims, offering emotional and practical support tailored to their individual needs.

All victims who report a crime to Merseyside Police will now receive information about the Victim Care Merseyside hub explaining the help and support they can provide, with victims who are identified as being particularly vulnerable being proactively contacted by the team.

Crucially, the hub team also makes it easier and simpler for all victims, including those who don't wish to speak to the police, to access support through the creation of a new Freephone number - 0808 175 3080 - and an improved online reporting service on the www.victimcaremerseyside.org website.

The new hub is an integral part of Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell's wider Victim Care Merseyside service. It links in closely with the 10 other independent services she already commissions to provide specialist support services to those affected by the most serious and harmful crimes, including rape and sexual assault, child exploitation and hate crime.

Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities and Chair of the Safer St Helens Executive, said:

"The Victim Care Merseyside service already does a vital job supporting thousands of vulnerable people, but the aim of the new hub is to ensure many more victims receive support and that it is far easier for people to reach out when they are in need. If you've been affected by crime, the hub is here for you with free, confidential, non-judgemental advice and support."

Call Freephone 0808 175 3080 on weekdays between 8am and 6pm or request support online at www.victimcaremerseyside.org at any time.