Catch22 has been recommissioned by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire to deliver its flagship victims service, Beacon Victim Care. The multi-million pound contract will see Catch22 support hundreds of victims of crime over the next four years.
The £2.8m four-year contract, to begin this April, ensures those who live in the county will continue to benefit from one of the UK’s most comprehensive schemes run through the Hertfordshire Beacon Victim Care Centre. Independent case managers provide emotional and practical support to victims of crime, even if they have not reported the offence to the police.
Catch22 has run Beacon since 2017 with the Constabulary’s Victim Services Team.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd, said:
“Beacon is a flagship victim service centre. Here in Hertfordshire we have one of the largest teams of victim service professionals in the country. Catch22 have been key to this and I am delighted they will be carrying on with us.
“Beacon provides support for everything from criminal damage to those affected by serious sexual assaults and murder. It ensures victims are cared for and kept updated as their case progresses through the investigation and judicial system.
“Historically, victims support was often run by volunteers but our model is staffed by professionals working to a service delivery programme that has provided evidence of positives outcomes. It is a long way from the traditional idea that victims are only offered sympathy with a cup of tea and slice of cake. I have ensured continued investment in Beacon so it now has additional specialist teams which work with the victims of domestic violence, anti-social behaviour and fraud.”
Emma Jones, Assistant Director for Victims Services at Catch22, said:
“We’ve supported hundreds of victims of crime over the last four years and we’re now in the privileged position to be able to help hundreds more.
“It’s not always easy for victims to come forward and ask for help. But whether it’s fraud, domestic violence or anti-social behaviour, we’re here to make sure they have someone to talk to who they can trust and who has the expertise to help them recover. We’re looking forward to working with the PCC and local partners to provide the best possible service to victims in Hertfordshire.”
The Beacon team, based at Hertfordshire Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, will contact all victims of crime and, where appropriate, work with specialist case managers to provide a complete wrap-around service to help victims to cope and recover.
The service offered and expertise available focuses on specialist provision to victims of; Fraud, Children and Young Persons Victims of Abuse, Victims of Stalking and Victims of Sexual and Domestic Abuse victims who are entitled to ‘Enhanced Rights’ under the Victims Code of Practice.
The service will provide organisational expertise in supporting victims of crime to both cope with the immediate impact of crime and to recover over the long term that includes but not limited to in-depth needs assessment, creation of a support plan, emotional and practical support and advocacy.