Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has unveiled a strengthened and streamlined victim support service designed to make it easier for victims to access the help they need, when they need it.
As part of her ongoing commitment to delivering a first-class service for victims of crime, County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has brought together the Victim Care and Advice Service and Community Peer Mentor Service under a single identity – the Victim Care and Mentor Service.
The new service will provide coordinated, personalised and compassionate support for victims, ensuring individuals can access practical help, emotional support and guidance through a single, recognisable service.
The Victim Care and Mentor Service acts as a guiding light for anyone affected by crime in County Durham and Darlington, providing free, confidential and independent support to help people cope with the immediate and long-term impact of crime, regardless of whether it has been reported to the police.
Alongside specialist victim support, the service will continue to offer mentoring and practical help for those who may benefit from additional support to rebuild confidence, strengthen resilience and move forward following difficult and sometimes life-altering experiences.
By bringing these services together, the PCC is ensuring victims receive the support they need, when they need it, through a more connected and accessible service.
The Victim Care and Mentor Service reflects the PCC’s commitment to delivering accessible, inclusive and tailored support to every victim, helping people cope with the impact of crime, recover from their experiences and feel supported every step of the way.
Unveiling the rebranded service, Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said:
“Victims and their voices are at the heart of everything I do.
“Our dedicated support teams have helped individuals and families navigate some of the most challenging experiences of their lives and many have told us they owe their lives to these services.
“We recognise that being a victim of crime can have a profound and lasting impact, emotionally, physically and psychologically, and has a ripple effect on the wellbeing of our communities. For many people, it can be devastating, affecting confidence, mental health and their overall sense of safety.
“The right support, at the right time, can make a critical difference. Appropriate, timely intervention can empower victims to cope, recover and move forward with their lives. This belief underpins everything we do and drives our continued commitment to strengthening and improving our service to meet the needs of those we support.
“This is why I am proud to bring these services together under one identity to continue delivering the high-quality care, support and guidance that victims deserve.”
Championing Victims is one of six priorities in the PCC’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan. The Commissioner has set out an extensive list of commitments to deliver a first-class service to victims, including ensuring all victims receive a high-quality service at every stage of their case and that all entitlements under the Victims’ Code are delivered consistently.
The Commissioner will continue to provide specialist support to victims of road traffic collisions via a dedicated Road Victim Care and Mentor Service Worker embedded within the Roads Policing Unit.
The role ensures that victims and their families receive timely, compassionate and informed support during some of the most traumatic moments of their lives. It also strengthens the link between enforcement and longer-term victim care and recovery.
The Commissioner will also continue to provide dedicated support to individuals and families affected by Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).
The service supports victims to understand their options, cope with the ongoing effects of ASB and ensure they feel heard, supported and taken seriously. It also guides and connects them to the ASB Case Review Scheme.
The scheme, managed by the PCC, enables victims of ASB who have reported persistent incidents but are unhappy with the level of response they have received to request a review of their case and hold agencies accountable for addressing their concerns.
The PCC and partners have signed up to the ASB Help Pledge, reinforcing their commitment to supporting those affected by long-term and repeat anti-social behaviour.
Through the Victim Care and Mentor Service, the Commissioner is continuing to strengthen support for victims across County Durham and Darlington, ensuring that everyone affected by crime can access timely, compassionate and effective help when they need it most.
If you have been affected by crime in County Durham or Darlington, whether it has been reported to the police or not, support is available. The Victim Care and Mentor Service offers free, confidential and independent support tailored to your needs. Call 0800 138 2020 or email victimcare@durham-pcc.gov.uk or for more information visit www.victimcareandmentorservice.co.uk.
