Victim Support’s new online support resource, My Support Space, has launched today for victims of crime in Humberside and South Yorkshire.
My Support Space is designed to help victims of crime manage the impact that crime has had on them. It is a free, safe, secure and confidential space where they can choose how they want to be supported after a crime.
The launch of My Support Space is particularly timely, as it gives victims of crime who have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak additional ways in which to access support, including from their own home. It can be accessed on a computer, tablet or phone.
Victims can access a range of tools to help them cope and move forward after a crime. They can work through a series of interactive guides which address their specific needs. The guides feature videos, techniques, activities and tips, and can be completed at their own pace.
Diana Fawcett, Chief Executive at Victim Support said:
“Victim Support is committed to ensuring that victims of crime receive effective support in a way that works for them. We are delighted to launch My Support Space as it offers another way in which victims of crime can seek support, even when self-isolating.
“Guides on My Support Space include topics such as difficult emotions, coping strategies, trauma and sleep. These are all common issues that people may experience after the crime, but are even more important during the coronavirus pandemic, as victims find the justice process essentially paused.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, Keith Hunter, said:
“My office is mindful of the importance of understanding the changing characteristics of vulnerability resulting from the current issues we are facing. This requires the victim services we commission to be flexible and innovative and have the ability to be engaging and accessible. The My Support Space facility from Victim Support enables us to develop this ability both for self-help in immediate times of crisis and increases the offer of service to wider audiences in preparation for anticipated high demand.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire, Dr Alan Billings, said:
“It is important that anyone who is unfortunate enough to become a victim of crime is able to access help and support should they need it. For some people, this may be one-to-one support but for others, they may prefer to access information online.
“The launch of My Support Space is a significant step forward in ensuring that victims of crime can receive support, information and services, using technology at all times of the day. These resources and tools will allow victims to choose how and when they access the support they need.”
Victims of crime in Humberside and South Yorkshire can now seek support using My Support Space, through live chat, or on the phone by calling 0300 303 1976.
