SPECIAL support is now available for any young people from Dumfries and Galloway who have been the victim of or witness to a crime or abuse.
Children’s youth care charity Kibble has secured funding to roll out their free service, SAFE, for all five to 25 year olds in this region.
It can be found online and there’s also the opportunity for face to face meet ups with the clinical psychologists and family psychotherapists
who provide therapeutic care, guidance and advocacy opportunities to those using the service.
The service also offers support to teachers and professionals who are seeking guidance or assistance in caring appropriately for a young person who has experienced crime.
Kibble CEO Jim Gillespie 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.”
The programme has been funded by the Scottish Government Victim Centred Approach Fund for an initial period of three years.
Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “Every child victim or witness has the right to consistent and holistic support, to access specialist services and to recover from their experiences.
“SAFE Service continues to build on work already underway to improve the lives of children, young people, adults and families have access to the trauma-informed support they need to avoid the risk of further trauma and more serious long-term consequences.”
Those concerned about a young person and who would like to make a referral to the SAFE service should email [email protected] or call 0141 471 1850. Referral forms can also be accessed at www.kibble.org/safe-children-and-family-support-after-crime/
