Commissioner praises work of Victim Care Lancashire

During the visit, the Commissioner met with the team to discuss the wide range of issues residents are seeking help for, from fraud and scams to neighbourhood disputes. VCL, commissioned by the Police and Crime Commissioner, offers free, confidential, and non-judgemental emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime in the county.

Delivered by a team of specially trained Victim Care Advisers within Lancashire Constabulary, the service provides tailored support including emotional assistance, listening to victims’ concerns, and signposting to further help where needed.

Since launching in April, VCL has received over 11,000 referrals and has directly supported more than 850 individuals, highlighting the demand for accessible victim services across Lancashire.

Commissioner Clive Grunshaw praised the team’s dedication:

“I’m incredibly impressed by the work being done by Victim Care Lancashire, supporting victims of crime across the county every single day. The compassion and commitment shown by the team is truly commendable.

“Supporting victims is a key part of my role as Police and Crime Commissioner, and one I take very seriously. While preventing crime remains a priority, it’s equally important to ensure that those affected have access to the right support when they need it most.

“I will continue to champion services like VCL to make sure help is available for those who need it.”

Gemma Smith, Victim Care Lancashire Service Manager, added: “We were delighted to welcome the Commissioner and show him how our service operates day-to-day.

“Our advisers are here to support anyone in Lancashire who has been affected by crime, regardless of whether the incident has been reported. We’re proud to offer a safe space for people to be heard and helped.”

Victims of crime can contact Victim Care Lancashire via their website at victimcarelancashire.org, by calling 01772 410410, or by emailing support@victimcarelancashire.org.