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Team studies support for crime victims

RESEARCH business Pleydell Smithyman is to lead a study in how crime victims are supported across Dyfed-Powys.

 The work, for Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon, will also identify gaps in the service. It will help Mr Salmon commission a new suite of victims’ services across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys. Sarah Wheale, project consultant at Pleydell Smithyman, said: “We’re thrilled to win this contract to provide a directory of crime victims’ services. “Our research will include building a database of victim’s services, hosting workshops with organisations who wish to help victims, surveying service providers, creating a service provision map and inviting feedback on our draft report.” Workshop invitations are being distributed from May 19. Those eager to take part in the research should contact Sarah Wheale – phone 01952 433211, email sarah@pleydellsmithyman. co.uk. Mr Salmon will be responsible for commissioning of victims’ services from October. During 2014-15, he will access central government funding of £113,000 to work with potential providers to prepare for commissioning. In 2015-16 the funding rises to £438,000 for direct delivery of services. A number of services offering emotional and practical support to crime victims are now provided by the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors. Mr Salmon wishes to ensure that services are accessible, with a simple online facility. His research work to provide a directory of victims’ services went out to tender in March and the contract was awarded to Shropshire-based Pleydell Smithyman this month. Fee: £5,350. Mr Salmon, who has a duty to act as a voice for crime victims, supports the Ministry of Justice’s Victims Code of Practice. This explains what information and support victims can expect during their journey through the criminal justice system.

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