The North Wales Victim Help Centre, which delivers specialist, tailored support to local victims and witnesses of crime, yesterday (Wednesday 23^rd July) celebrated its ten-year anniversary.

Delivered by the independent charity, Victim Support, and funded by Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for North Wales, the centre has helped around a quarter of a million (250,000) people affected by crime and traumatic incidents since opening in 2015.

The event was attended by Mr Dunbobbin, his Deputy PCC for North Wales, Wayne Jones, alongside Victim Support staff and volunteers, who were thanked for their dedication to delivering outstanding support for local victims.

The centre offers free and confidential support to anyone affected by crime, including specialist support for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, fraud, modern slavery and exploitation, and children and young people.

The charity’s caseworkers and volunteers provide practical and emotional support to victims, helping them to cope, recover, and rebuild their lives after crime.

Support is available regardless of whether a crime has been reported to the police, and help is tailored to individuals’ needs, including bespoke bilingual support for Welsh speakers and interpretation services.

Over the past ten years, the St Asaph-based centre has delivered pioneering services, keeping pace with the changing nature of crime and ensuring support reaches marginalised communities.

This has included providing vital support to families affected by the 2017 Manchester arena attack, employing the UK’s first-ever dedicated caseworker for victims of modern slavery and more recently, employing a dedicated children and young people’s caseworker.

Jessica Brooks, Area Manager for Victim Support Wales, said:

“We are thrilled to be celebrating a decade of specialist, tailored support for victims across North Wales, helping them to cope, recover and rebuild their lives after crime. Over the last ten years, we have worked closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner, and other local services, to ensure our support is constantly evolving and adapting to meet the needs of local people. We look forward to continuing to deliver the best possible support for victims.”

Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, said:

“I am delighted to congratulate the Victim Help Centre in St Asaph on a decade of dedicated service to the people of North Wales. It is a provision I am proud to fund on behalf of residents and it is one that previous Police and Crime Commissioners have strongly supported since it began in 2015.

“One of my key priorities as Police and Crime Commissioner is supporting victims, communities and businesses, and wherever I go across North Wales I meet people who have benefited from the advice the centre offers. No one wants, or asks, to become a victim of crime. But if this happens, then it is vital that in addition to contacting the Police, people are able to turn to services like the Victim Help Centre to get the guidance needed to help them deal with what might have happened to them.

“Additionally, the way the centre has adapted its service model, and the support offered, to reflect the changing nature of crime is important to recognise. From the introduction of a modern slavery case worker to one dedicated to children and young people, and support for those who have experienced romance and other forms of fraud. The breadth and depth of the staff’s experience and knowledge at the centre is impressive to behold.

“I would like to thank all colleagues, past and present, at the Victim Help Centre and at Victim Support who have contributed to reaching this milestone. I wish them continued success in the future on behalf of the people of North Wales.”

The North Wales Victim Help Centre offers free, confidential support to anyone affected by crime. To find out more, visit victimsupport.org.uk/north-wales or call 0300 303 0159.