Accrington hub opens its doors to victims of crime

The event, opened by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw served to share information about the service with local organisations, to hear how victims are already benefiting and to provide the opportunity to meet the Accrington team.
The multi-crime team working from the hub is made up of independent victim advocates who can offer support following any type of crime. Specialist support is available from independent domestic violence advisors, independent sexual violence advisors, children and young people case workers and hate crime case workers.
The launch follows two years of developing a service model to meet the needs of all victims in Lancashire.

Clive Grunshaw invited bids from interested organisations to deliver a new, integrated service across the county and, following a legal tender process, the contract to deliver the service was awarded to Victim Support earlier this year.

Mr Grunshaw said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the Accrington Hub. Making sure that expert support is available locally was a key aspect in commissioning the service.

“The Accrington Hub is one of four launching in Lancashire this month and while the building is located in Accrington, support will be delivered across the whole of East Lancashire. Lancashire Victim Services’ outreach support means that victim advocates and specialists are able to travel to meet people in locations that work for them.

“I want to make sure that all victims of crime can access the specialist support they need in a way that suits them best and the fantastic team working from the new Hub will make sure this happens.”

Ellen Miller, Services Director for Lancashire Victim Service added: “I am really happy to see the Accrington Hub launch today.

“No one should feel alone or unsupported after being a victim of crime and through the hub people can access support locally to help them recover.

“We have a team of experts on hand to provide emotional support and help, no matter what type of crime they have been affected by.

“We don’t ration our support, and we don’t make judgments – we just want people to know we’re here, to talk, to listen, for advice and for help, whenever they need someone to talk to.”