Hub provides a one-stop shop for help, support, advice and guidance

The Signpost Hub provides emotional and practical support and access to restorative justice for all victims of crime. Its Victim Care Co-ordinators (VCCs) support those affected by the crime including children, partners and parents.

The Hub provides a one-stop shop offering access to available help, support, advice and guidance. It can also refer victims to a wide range of specialist support organisations.

From April 2019 to April 2020, it said that it supported 2,452 victims (a 10% increase on the previous year). These were either referred into the hub by police officers or partner agencies, or they self-referred themselves. The crime does not have to be reported to the police for the victim to be eligible for support.

Commissioner Holloway said:

“The number of victims Signpost offered support to was much greater. Almost 6,000 were referred into the hub and contacted, but declined needing any support at that time. They were encouraged to contact the service at any point if they later realised they needed it.

“Often victims suffer a delay in needing support when the true impact of the crime is often realised later down the line. VCCs also wrote to more than 15,000 victims who had been assessed by police officers as having no needs, but who may find they need help at some point too.

“The evidence also shows the Signpost Hub has been an overwhelming success since it was set up two years ago, where virtually every client helped has given a clear vote of confidence in the service and feedback has been exceptional, highlighting the commitment of the wonderful VCCs.”

Hub progressed 24 restorative justice cases

As the impact of crime isn’t just emotional VCCs also help victims deal with practical problems such as damage to property, by liaising with partner agencies on the victim’s behalf to help access support for these issues.

As well as signposting them to help access criminal injuries compensation, or understand the journey through the criminal justice system. During the year the hub has also progressed 24 restorative justice cases.

Restorative justice enables victims to meet or communicate with their offender to explain the full impact the crime has had on them. They can also ask questions that are important to them, which helps to repair the damage caused by the crime.

If you have been affected by crime the Signpost Hub offers free and confidential support to victims in Bedfordshire, whether it has been reported to police or not and irrespective of where and when the crime occurred.

Call 0800 0282887 or visit www.signpostforbedfordshire.com for further information.