• Business
  • Business News
  • Video
  • Contact
Aycliffe Today
Aycliffe Today
  • Business
  • Business News
  • Video
  • Contact
  • Follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
Home
News

PCC funds specialist support worker to help bereaved families and witnesses

February 7th, 2024 Martin Walker News 0 comments 0

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has announced funding for a new specialist worker to enhance support for victims and witnesses of road tragedies.

The new specialist victim care officer will be based within Durham Constabulary’s Roads and Armed Policing Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) and will work directly with the SCIU to provide practical and emotional support to anyone impacted by a serious road collision.

This includes bereaved loved-ones, witnesses and those who provide life-saving care in the immediate aftermath of a fatal or life-changing road collision.

The new post fulfils the County Durham and Darlington PCC’s Police and Crime Plan pledge to enhance support for victims of road traffic accidents and their families as part of her priority to deliver Safer Roads.

Working as part of the Commissioner’s Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS), the officer will be highly trained and skilled in recognising the complexities of trauma and the risks to the individuals affected.

They will also have significant knowledge of the local and national support available to further help bereaved and seriously injured individuals move forward with their lives, including community-based projects that will be well-placed to meet their needs.

Commissioner Allen said: “Losing a partner, family member or loved one in a road tragedy is a deeply traumatic experience.

“In the days and weeks following a death, there will be intense feelings of shock, grief, blame and loss.

“The judicial process including police investigations, inquests and court proceedings can be equally disorientating and traumatic.

“This funding recognises the scale of this impact and loss and provides those affected with a superior level of support that not only assists the police in their search for the truth, but importantly helps those involved to come to terms with their loss and grief in a positive and compassionate way.

“Making our roads safer remains a core focus of my work and I continue to push for tougher sentences for those who drive dangerously.

“Any one collision could have between 15 and 30 witnesses, many of whom may have been significantly affected by what they have witnessed.

“There are often members of the public who provide immediate first aid at the scene.

“The availability of a dedicated specialist resource within the Roads Policing Team will allow us to widen the support currently available and meet the needs of all those affected, while supporting and enhancing the delivery of justice.”

The new role will be managed by VCAS, the PCC’s centralised service specialising in providing practical and emotional support for anyone who has been affected by crime.

 

Share it!

Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest
Next article NAFC Junior Section round-up
Previous article Aycliffe claim three away points in seven-goal thriller

Related News

News

Chaos reigns as Durham County Council announces new cabinet after just 100 days

The leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Andrew Husband, has announced details of his new cabinet, following...
News

Get on board with bus travel this September

Residents are being encouraged to take advantage of discount bus fares in County Durham as part of a...
News

PCC urges the public to play their part to stop drink and drug driving

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is backing a national charity’s efforts to increase reporting of...

LATEST VIDEO

This week on A.T

Sep 23rd 1:40 PM
Community

Fun and Food scheme benefits thousands of children in County Durham

Sep 22nd 4:18 PM
Business

NC Group: Building the future workforce of Aycliffe’s engineering sector

Sep 18th 4:49 PM
Sport

Newton Aycliffe Juniors round-up

Sep 18th 9:44 AM
Business

How Senstronics culture has nurtured life-changing career for Jack

Sep 17th 12:47 PM
Community

Helping to create thriving communities across County Durham

Sep 17th 10:30 AM
Business

Strategic expansion for family firm as industrial suppliers set up shop in Aycliffe

Sep 16th 9:01 PM
Sport

Aycliffe prepare for FA Trophy trip

Sep 16th 3:09 PM
News

Chaos reigns as Durham County Council announces new cabinet after just 100 days

Sep 16th 10:47 AM
Sport

Aycliffe Cricket round-up

Sep 15th 4:27 PM
Community

Newton Aycliffe school children celebrating new facilities

Recommend
Follow @AycliffeToday
  • Business
  • Business News
  • Video
  • Contact
  • Back to top
© Aycliffe Today 2019. All rights reserved.
Developed by Thrive

Get our latest news direct to your inbox every Friday - subscribe to our free e-newsletter today.

Subscribe Now