PCC announces funding for specialist local services, to deliver a dedicated response to adult victims of crime and ASB
Clare Moody, the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is proud to announce the successful completion of victim’s’ services recommissioning, with £720,860 in annual funding being allocated for specialist victim support services across the whole of Avon and Somerset. This funding, including contributions from the Ministry of Justice, will sustain vital services for victims of crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) across Avon and Somerset, helping them access support tailored to their individual needs over the next seven years. The services awarded funding include Victim Support, in collaboration with Resolve West and SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality).
This long-term investment follows a meticulous, research-driven commissioning process that put victims and their voices at the heart of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s (OPCC) approach. Beginning with a comprehensive Victim Needs Assessment to map out the unique challenges and needs across Avon and Somerset, the OPCC worked with an external agency to conduct in-depth research with victim-survivors. These insights were invaluable in shaping the design of the services and ensuring they reflect real-world experiences. Further consultations with potential service providers and stakeholders helped refine the service offerings, ensuring they meet both local needs and rigorous quality standards.
“By commissioning these specialist services, I am acting on what victims have told me they need,” said Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody. “These services reflect the voices of those who have experienced harm, ensuring that support is tailored, compassionate, and accessible to all. My priority is to deliver services that genuinely make a difference, helping victims to recover and rebuild their lives.”
Key Services and Funding Highlights:
Avon and Somerset Victim Service (ASVS)
Funding: £720,860 annually
Awarded to: Victim Support, in collaboration with Resolve West and SARI (Stand Against Racism and Inequality)
This service will offer accessible, specialist support for adults affected by crime and anti-social behaviour across Avon and Somerset, empowering victims to overcome the impact of crime.
Heather Welch, Area Manager at Victim Support, said:
“We are very excited to be delivering this much needed service for adult victims of crime and anti-social behaviour, including a specialist hate crime offer, as well as restorative justice support for victims of all ages, in partnership with Resolve West and SARI. As three long-standing local services, we will be able to deliver tailored support to an increased number of people from a wide range of communities. We want victims to know that they can access our independent services regardless of whether or not they have reported to the police. We look forward to working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver the best possible support to victims.”
Beyond these individual services, the OPCC’s approach reflects a commitment to building a truly coordinated and responsive support network, maximising public resources by seeking input from both victims and frontline providers. Each service contract will commence on 1st April 2025 and run for up to seven years, ensuring long-term stability and a dependable framework of care that can evolve with the needs of local communities.
The OPCC extend their thanks to previous grant holders South West Advocacy Network’s Victims of Crime Advocacy Service (VOCAS) for their dedicated work supporting victims across Avon and Somerset over recent years. Their contributions made a meaningful impact in the community, and the OPCC appreciate the service’s commitment to helping victims find support and recovery.