Supporting Victims Fund set up by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird
21st July 2015
A Newcastle group is helping more young people stay safe thanks to money from the Supporting Victims Fund set up by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird.
The fund was made available to local groups who give support to victims to help them cope and recover from their experience of crime.
Streetwise Young People’s Project, based in Newcastle, will receive over £35,000 from Vera Baird following their successful application.
The cash boost will be used to maximise the potential of the charity to work with more young people aged between 13 and 25 and living in the Newcastle and surrounding areas who have been subject to child sexual abuse, exploitation, domestic violence or physical assault by introducing three new roles.
Streetwise recently piloted the ‘Be Safe-Be Streetwise’ campaign workshop with young people from Byker. The funding will see a campaign outreach youth worker put in post to deliver the messages of the initiative to other young people in schools, colleges, care homes and community projects. Streetwise recognises there may be more young victims who haven’t come forward and there is a need for services to go out to them.
A social media communications worker will also deliver the campaign messages via social networking, while a specialist advocacy worker will receive the expected increased referrals to the service and provide information, support and guidance.
It’s hoped young people will gain greater understanding, awareness, skills and confidence while reducing their risk taking behaviour and in doing so, make it more difficult for potential perpetrators to take advantage of them.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird said: “It’s incredibly important that young victims of such crimes have the confidence to speak to someone.
“It’s of course understandable they might not want to for a variety of reasons which is why we need organisations like this going out to see young people, wherever they may be, to talk to them generally about these issues.
“This could then lead to them confiding in an outreach worker when they may not have come forward initially so I’m extremely keen to support the work of this project.
“I’m also fully behind the charity’s ‘Be Safe-Be Streetwise’ campaign which supports young people to achieve a greater understanding of themselves and lifestyle choices, helping them to build resilience and self worth and reduce risks.
“I know Streetwise works very closely with Northumbria Police and that partnership will continue so these young people get advice, help and support they need.”
Mandy Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Streetwise, said: “We are delighted to have received support from Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird through the Supporting Victims Fund. We are now able to take the Be Safe-Be Streetwise campaign out into Newcastle communities.
“Young people from Byker identified the need for this campaign and have advised us on its development. It is a huge privilege for our project to now promote it across the whole city.
“It is vital that young victims of child sexual abuse, exploitation, domestic violence or physical assault feel supported and confident to come forward and seek help from safe and confidential projects like Streetwise.
“The social media campaign work via #’BeSafeBeStreetwise will provide current information and practical help to enable our young people to keep themselves and each other safe.”
Anyone who has been a victim of crime, no matter what age, can get advice and support from Victims First Northumbria by calling 0800 011 3116 or visiting the website, www.victimsfirstnorthumbria.org.uk
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