Bedfordshire Police’s victim care service has changed its name in a bid to be more visible.
The service run by The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) changed its name to ‘Bedfordshire Victim Care Services’(VCS) on 15th December. It was previously known as ‘Signpost’.
Simon Powell, Head of Victim Services, said people struggled to find them under the previous name.
He said they strive to be ‘more accessible for victims and partners, while still keeping our aim of putting victims at the core of everything we do and helping them to move forward with their life after crime.’ He feels the new ‘name fits the bill perfectly.’
Bedfordshire VCS supports anyone affected by crime, whether it has been reported. It’s a ‘one-stop-shop’ for everything a crime victim needs to know.
A team of 11 Specialist Victim Care Co-ordinators provide emotional and practical support, restorative justice and referrals to specialist support. They also receive referrals from Officers who are dealing directly with victims.
Gill Richardson, a Signpost Victim Care Coordinator said she hoped the new name would ‘become renowned for providing a first-class service to the people of Bedfordshire.’
She said they would ‘continue to provide specialist help to support people to cope and recover to the point where they are back on track with their lives.’
Simon thanked ‘officers and partners for their sustained support’ and said he was ‘proud of what Signpost has achieved in the last three and a half years.’
The service is based at Bedfordshire Police Headquarters.
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