Victim support services in West Mercia Police area given funding boosts

Victim services across the West Mercia Police area will benefit after the Police and Crime Commissioner secured £340,000 of funding to ensure vital support continues despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

A total of 13 services in the force area bid for Government funding to help them continue providing support while having to adapt during the past few months.

Funding is supporting virtual socially distanced services, as well as the recruitment of additional staff to deliver more services and access to online resources.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “This is great news and yet another real investment by Government to help victims of some horrific crimes cope and recover.

“Putting victims and survivors first is a central part of my Safer West Mercia Plan as I’m committed to ensuring that victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence are fully supported.

“The extra funding that I have secured will be a great help to these services in delivering that commitment.

“As a result of the pandemic a large number of charities and organisations have been forced to change and step up whilst maintaining the level of support victims so desperately need, which includes the extra costs of setting up technology to keep in contact with victims.

“I’m pleased to see that a number of services I haven’t yet worked with have taken the opportunity to bid for funding and I very much look forward to supporting them, along with the other services, to provide the help and advice victims so desperately need.”

Among organisations receiving funding are West Mercia Rape and Sexual Support Centre, which is getting £82,010, West Mercia Women’s Aid, with £60,776.85 and Victim Support, with £35,983.