Lancashire Victims Services

April marks the third anniversary of Lancashire Victim Services’ (LVS) multi-crime hubs. Support continues to be available during the pandemic and LVS is committed to ensuring that help can be accessed by anyone affected by crime in Lancashire.

The service provides support for victims of all types of crime from its four hubs based in Accrington, Blackpool, Lancaster and Preston. Specialist support is available to victims of domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault, hate crime and young people.

Over the past year, the service received over 67,000 referrals from across the county with emotional support and practical help provided to those who needed it. Claire Powell, Account Manager at LVS, said: “It is a strange time for an anniversary but it gives us the opportunity to highlight that all our services are open for business.”

“Our message is simple. If you have been affected by any type of crime, whether recently or in the past, we are here to support you.”

“Young people affected by crime, bullying or harassment continue to be supported by our Nest Lancashire team who help under 18s with anything they might need.”

“We have implemented new ways of working which means that there are different options for people to speak to us remotely. We also have a live chat on our website and a variety of self-help resources which we can make available for people to access from home through our online service ‘My Support Space’.” “If there is anything you need following a crime, please get in touch, we are here to help.”

Feedback to Lancashire Victim Services’ support offer has been positive with one service user saying: “I feel so much better after speaking with you, it is amazing what a chat can do. Can I just say that we clap for the NHS every Thursday evening but I will be clapping for your team this evening. During this terrible time, you are still there for us people that need you when I am sure you all have families and loved ones to care for as well. Thank you.”