East Ayrshire child victims and witnesses of crime to be offered access to new support service

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Child victims and witnesses of crime in East Ayrshire can now access a new support service.The programme named SAFE Service, has been launched by Kibble in East Ayrshire to give children, young people and their families access to free care and guidance after experiencing a crime whether as a witness or a victim.The service is available for young people aged from five to 25-years-old to access online, with the option to travel for face-to-face meetings if preferred.Kibble also offers support to teachers and professionals who are seeking guidance or assistance in caring appropriately for a young person who has experienced crime.Jim Gillespie, chief executive officer at Kibble, said: “Crime and violence can have a massive ripple effect on a young person’s development – whether they are a victim or a witness."We’re talking about children as young as five experiencing or witnessing violence and abuse, so it’s absolutely vital we provide them with an open door to support services that can help them on the road to recovery.

However, we know that is not always the case.“The SAFE Service will help fill that void and allow young people, and professionals, easy access to industry leading support and guidance that is tailored to the needs of the individual.“We are really proud to have been awarded funding to deliver this essential service.”Justice Secretary Keith Brown added: “The Scottish Government’s Victim Centred Approach Fund delivers a key Programme for Government commitment to ensure victims’ rights are at the heart of the justice system and to improve the advice, information and support available to them.“Every child victim or witness has the right to consistent and holistic support, to access specialist services and to