Referrals for children and young people to the charity Victim Support Lancashire have increased by more than 48% over the last three years, according to new figures.
The charity, which delivers specialist, tailored support to young people via its Nest programme, is encouraging anyone affected to contact its services.
One child who was viciously attacked by a dog, leaving scars on both her arms, has credited the support she received from Victim Support Lancashire in helping to restore her confidence.
She said Victim Support Lancashire had “helped the way I feel and how I express my emotions.”
The figures come as the charity, which has delivered support for children and young people in the region eight years, has been selected to deliver it for another three years.
The figures showed:
- From 2021/24 there was a 48.25% increase in children and young people supported
- In 2021/22 Victim Support Lancashire’s service supported 1084 children and young people
- In 2023/24 Victim Support Lancashire’s service supported 1607 children and young people
Eve*, 12, from Lancashire, sought Victim Support Lancashire’s support after being attacked by a dog at her friend’s house in April 2024. In the aftermath of the attack, she was left needing stiches and a time off school.
She said: “Every day I would go to bed and what happened to me would come back and it would cause nightmares.”
Following the attack, Eve was appointed a caseworker from Victim Support Lancashire to help restore her confidence. She said: “(My caseworker) would see me face-to-face for sessions and she was just brilliant.”
“We also spoke about how to be more confident. My arms were scarred and these scars will be there for a long time, so it was good to speak about not being afraid of what happened but to just try and accept it.
“(My caseworker) was like a friend and I wouldn’t know half the stuff I know now if it wasn’t for her.”
Claire Powell, Area Manager for Victim Support Lancashire said:
“We’re thrilled to continue offering this much needed support service for children and young people across Lancashire. Our specialist staff tailor support to each individual, helping them to cope, recover and rebuild their life after crime. Victims can access our 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 young victims of crime.”
Victim Support Lancashire’s Nest programme offers support to young people aged 5 to 18 who have been impacted by crime. To find out more visit nestlancashire.org, call 0300 111 0323 or text NEST and your number to 60777.