Local charities offering support to victims of crime in Sussex came together at the Barn Theatre, West Sussex, to showcase their services and share information about the help on offer to people in the county.

The event, hosted by the charity Victim Support, was attended by representatives from over fifteen different services funded by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne.

The organisations, including Refuge, Survivors Network, Streetlight and Veritas-Justice, met with the West Sussex High Sheriff, Andy Bliss, and the Domestic Abuse and VAWG Commissioner for Sussex, Anne Clark, along with other key stakeholders and councillors, raising awareness about the help available in local communities.

Tom Edwards, Services Director at Victim Support said: “It was fantastic to bring together so many excellent organisations, doing vital work for people who have been affected by crime in Sussex, strengthening ties between these services. Understanding more about the incredible work of other charities in the county and building relationships means we’ll be able to ensure victims across Sussex get the best possible support.”

Katy Bourne Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Providing the highest quality support services for all victims is a key area of my Police & Crime Plan, and it was great to see victim services coming together at this event. I believe that the best way to provide the highest quality support for victims of crime is for us all – commissioners, commissioned services and other service providers – to work closely and support each other”.

Andy Bliss, West Sussex High Sheriff said: “It was great to see Victim Support helping to coordinate a networking event for charitable organisations which are funded by the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner.

“Part of the High Sheriff’s role on behalf of The Crown is to uphold law and order and to support charities and volunteers. Professionals working in this area are all busy people; so this was an important opportunity for them to meet up and learn about other organisations in the area which can provide specialist support and advice to victims of crime and which allow the police to focus on catching criminals and preventing crime. It was really impressive to meet representatives of so many organisations and to learn of the breadth and depth of support now available in Sussex.”

Anyone who has been the victim of crime in Sussex can contact Victim Support for help and advice. The charity offers support for vulnerable victims across all types of crime, as well as delivering specialist services for victims of fraud, hate crime and domestic abuse.

Visit Victim Support Sussex for information about how to get in touch.