The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales has helped to officially open a new victim support service from Gwent Police.
The Baroness Helen Newlove of Warrington was joined by Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston to officially launch Connect Gwent – the new victims’ care hub which aims to enhance the quality of support and contact with all victims of crime throughout Gwent.
The Baroness unveiled a plaque at the new hub in Blackwood and was escorted by Mr Johnston on a tour of the centre before moving on to the official launch event at T? Penallta in Tredomen where they were joined by representatives from a range of victims’ services and partner agencies.
Situated in the former Blackwood Police station social club building, Connect Gwent has brought a range of agencies and organisations together under one roof for the first time in Wales in order to provide enhanced support for victims of crime.
Working within Gwent Connect will be Gwent Police’s Victim Support; New Pathways – an organisation which helps people who have been sexually abused; Embrace – the national charity which supports child victims of crime up to the age of 18 and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Supported by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, a mental health nurse is also based within the hub to deal with mental health referrals relating to victims of crime. Age Cymru are also looking at establishing a presence at the hub to support older victims of crime.
Connect Gwent is being part-funded through the Ministry of Justice Victims’ Services grant which has been awarded to the Police and Crime Commissioner for victim support.
Construction and renovation work on the new home for Connect Gwent got underway in February and the PCC appointed a co-ordinator to lead on the development of the new service which went live for the first time in April.
The Baroness Helen Newlove’s late husband, Garry, was murdered outside their family home in 2007 after a period of escalating Anti-Social Behaviour in the area. She has long been a campaigner for communities and victims.
Speaking before the launch, Baroness Newlove, said: “I know only too well that many victims of crime feel like they are passed from one agency to another – unaware of the services and help available. Victims don’t want a succession of different faces; they want one person who knows about all the criminal justice agencies and the services that might be able to help them.
“I am hopeful that the Connect Gwent hub will go some way to address these issues. By locating different agencies in one place, I hope victims will feel there is someone who will act as a motivator, supporter and broker for different services.
“It is time to rebalance the system and we don’t need to wait for new codes or laws to do this. I wish Gwent every success with what they are trying to do.”
Gwent PCC Mr Johnston, said: It’s about putting the victim first and addressing people’s individual needs, whether they have chosen to report the crime to the police or not.