£1M funding announced for local victim services by PCC Kim McGuinness

Victim services across Northumbria are set to receive more than £1M in funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness’s Supporting Victims Fund, as part of her ongoing commitment to helping victims affected by crime.

This is the first round of victims funds to be announced this year, with more funding to be allocated to specialist services and charitable organisations over the coming weeks.

These specialist services often play a vital role helping individuals and their families to cope and recover from sometimes very distressing experiences and this fund is designed to strengthen and enhance the help available.

The Police and Crime Commissioner has awarded funding to a range of organisations who help those considered to be the most vulnerable victims – domestic abuse and sexual violence victims, young people, victims of hate crime, those with mental health needs and those with other vulnerabilities.

Some of this year’s beneficiaries include Sunderland Counselling Services, The Angelou Centre, Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, and Streetwise Young People’s Project.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “My top two priorities as Police and Crime Commissioner are to help our force prevent crime and ensure that when a crime does happen, the victim is central to all we do.

Kim continued: “With access to the right help at the right time, people can feel better, even stronger, but it can take time. Through coping strategies, therapies and opening up conversation, we can help people to recover and successfully move forward with their lives. I am committed to doing all I can to provide accessible, high quality services to victim of crime.”

Victims of crime can be of any age, gender, race or sexual orientation and can be vulnerable due to these characteristics or other factors such as a disability, their mental health, religion/belief or the type and nature of the crime committed. Anyone can be a victim.

A full list of beneficiaries can be found at www.northumbria-pcc.gov.uk from 1 April, 2020.