A charity that has been has been providing victims of crime a lifeline for 40 years has been praised on its birthday by Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd.
Victim Support started in Bristol in 1974 but has since become a national charity and has ten branches across Greater Manchester.
These branches have helped 31,000 victims and almost 11,000 witnesses over the last year alone.
Mr Lloyd said: “Victim Support provides a lifeline to more than a million victims each year, including thousands in Greater Manchester.
“They make a real difference and on behalf of the people of Greater Manchester, I thank them.
“It’s vital that we work with them to improve the service we provide to victims and witnesses and make sure their needs are the centre of everything we do.”
As the charity celebrated its birthday users of the service took to social media to praise its work.
One user said: “VictimSupport were so accommodating. They came to my home, listened to me tell my story and made me feel more confident & safe.
Another user, Barry Smith, said: “Happy birthday, thank you so much for everything you did for me in 2013”
Lesley Daniels, Divisional Manager for Greater Manchester, paid homage to the work of staff and volunteers who have helped Victim Support reach a vast number of people.
“Together, and with the support of other organisations both voluntary and statutory we are able to deliver a holistic service to victims and witnesses throughout Greater Manchester,” she said.
“We continue to put victims and witnesses at the heart of everything we do while upholding our core values of strength, diversity, excellence and ambition.”
Image courtesy of Ozan Ozan, with thanks
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