Police & Crime Commissioner holds network event for specialist service providers

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne's Victim Services and Commissioning Team recently held their latest Funding Network Events for the specialist services they support that provide help for survivors of crime.

More than 30 people representing 20 services were in attendance to discuss challenges faced and areas for further collaboration to support the collective work these services carry out to help those who have experienced or witnessed crime.

Helena Croft MBE, CEO of Streetlight led a discussion about the mental health needs raised by sexual violence and facilitated a Q&A for any service providers seeking more information.

Topics discussed included the increasing demand on services with a particular emphasis on victims and survivors presenting with mental health needs.

The event offered an important training session delivered by the Cyber Resilience Centre to help charities better protect themselves from online attacks, improve online safety and to be aware of dangers facing the charity sector.

An input also came from OPCC Chief Finance Officer, Iain McCulloch, who gave a detailed presentation on plans for Local Government Reform and Devolution, outlining the potential impact and opportunities for the network's services.

Katy Bourne said: “Our Funding Network is made up of a host of specialist service providers who are highly accomplished in their field. I am proud to support so many charities and groups who seek nothing else except to help those in need after facing crime.

“Events like this encourage organisations to make improvements where needed and help me define our offer to Sussex residents so they can be assured of the highest quality services possible.”