ReVOC – Tyneside Mind

ReVOC Violence Against the Person Service

Supporting Victims and Families Affected by Violent Crime: A Holistic Approach

At Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, we recognise the traumatic and devastating impact violent crime can have on victims. We equally understand that the impact of violent crime reaches far beyond the victims themselves—it also deeply affects their loved ones. We offer a comprehensive service that provides support to both victims and their family members affected by violent crime, continuously striving to offer a compassionate environment where healing and recovery can take place.

A Thorough and Compassionate Approach for Victims

When we receive referrals for victims of violent crime, our dedicated team at Tyneside and Northumberland Mind conducts thorough assessments to understand their unique needs. We are committed to offering direct support to the victims, ensuring they receive the care and attention necessary to begin their journey to recovery.

Supporting Families in-house

We also acknowledge the significance of assisting family members who have been impacted by these tragic events. As part of our holistic approach, we make referrals to our Supporting Families Programme where household members receive help, advice, and understanding in a safe place to meet and heal, knowing that they are not alone in their struggles.

Recognising the Long-Term Impact

We understand that the effects of traumatic incidents can be long-lasting and far-reaching. Our extended service is designed to address these lasting impacts and provide unwavering support to those who have been closely affected.

We accept referrals to the Violence Against the Person Service Northumbria-wide. That includes North and South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, Northumberland and Sunderland. You can also access our Support Line as part of this service, in all of these areas. Call 0330 174 3174 or 0191 477 4545 , available Weekdays 2pm-10pm and Weekends 12pm-8pm. Please note that calls are charged a local rate.

Should you reach out to us in need of mental health support unrelated to hate crime, or violence, and live within the Sunderland area, we will support you with a referral to your local Mind, Sunderland Mind.

Reach Out today

If you or someone you know has been affected by violent crime, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our caring team is here to lend a listening ear, offer support, and guide you through the healing process. Together, we can find strength and hope to help you heal.

E-mail: stephanie.golder@tynesidemind.org.uk Telephone: 0191 477 4545

This service is delivered in partnership with Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner.

ReVOC Support for Mental Health Service

Empowering mental health and wellbeing after a crime

If you have been impacted by a crime and reside within the Northumbria Police Force Area, we are here to stand by you, regardless of whether the crime has been officially reported. We understand the profound effects that crime can have on your mental wellbeing, and our dedicated team is committed to providing the support you need.

Our utmost priority is to offer specialised, one-on-one assistance to victims and witnesses aged 16 and above. We recognise the unique challenges you may encounter and are dedicated to tailoring our support to meet your specific needs.

What can you expect?

Our team of experienced and local professionals are here to lend a compassionate ear, offer guidance, and provide practical assistance throughout your journey of healing and recovery. We understand that each person’s experience is individual, and we will work closely with you to address the emotional impact of the crime and help you regain a sense of wellbeing.

We accept referrals to our Mental Health Service Northumbria-wide. That includes North and South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead, Northumberland and Sunderland. You can also access our Support Line as part of this service, in all of these areas. Call 0330 174 3174 or 0191 477 4545 , available Weekdays 2pm-10pm and Weekends 12pm-8pm. Please note that calls are charged a local rate.

Reach out today

Regardless of whether the crime has been officially reported, we will support you as you navigate the aftermath and find ways to cope with the challenges that may arise. You do not have to face this journey alone. Our caring team is prepared to provide the guidance and assistance you rightfully deserve.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you or someone you know could benefit from our support. We are here to listen, understand, and stand alongside you as you embark on your path to healing.

Support for Victims

E-mail: stephanie.golder@tynesidemind.org.uk

Telephone: 0191 477 4545

This service is delivered by Tyneside and Northumberland Mind and is commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Helpful Links

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime

For more information about your rights as a victim of crime, including what to expect, please review the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales and supporting public information materials here.

Restorative Justice Process

Sometimes people want to feel their voice has been heard, or have questions for the person who carried out the crime. If this is you, or someone you know, please consult the Restorative Justice Process, more information available here.

What do people say about the service?

We asked clients, comfortable with sharing, to provide feedback about their experience with the ReVOC programme. Crimes experienced by clients included: criminal damage, harassment, theft, assault, with support given including: emotional, stress management, advocacy (support in contacting other agencies) advice in court and self-esteem. Here’s what we’ve found out in the first quarter of 2024:

Most clients noticed a markable improvement in their health and wellbeing.

Nearly all clients felt they could better cope with aspects of everyday life.

Most clients felt safer, more informed and empowered because of the service.

Nearly all strongly agreed that they felt less worried as a result of the service.

Most strongly agreed that they are more able to cope with the impact of the crime as a result of the service.

How do people feel about the ReVOC service?

“grateful – invaluable – support – amazing – care – exemplary – healing – amazing – comforting”

Client feedback:

“It made me open up to people about the situation I was dealing with and didn’t leave me feeling alone.”

“Being able to feel comfortable and relaxed enough to express my feelings.“

“in my darkest days [the Project Worker] reassured me.”

“Having regular check ins. Knowing [Project Worker] was available to talk and feeling less isolated.”

“Without [the Project Worker] support I would have struggled so much, all of her advice and support and just to be there to listen meant so much to me.“

“[The Project Worker] was an excellent communicator and was just super nice and helpful.“

“The service I received was excellent.“

“Because of their support it enabled me to take care of my own mental health, so I was able to take care of my family unit.”

“[The Project Worker] came across as compassionate and empathetic. With full understanding of who I am and how my past experiences have shaped how I felt about what happened.”

“I truly believe without Mind and especially [Project Worker] who has helped and encouraged me through this process. I would not have been able to attend court and more importantly function on a day to day basis.“

“I felt completely ostracised after the attack. If I did not have someone to talk to I would literally gone out of my mind.”

“Because the service was there, I was able to learn to deal with my own emotions which meant I was also able to be stronger and there for my family when they needed me.”

We redact the names of our ReVOC Project Team to protect staff, however their individual efforts do not go unnoticed. We are proud to have a team of passionate, dedicated workers who our clients regard so highly.

Image used courtesy of https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/portrait-modern-man-watching-thoughtful-outside-window_10829383.htm