Emotional Support
We can help you cope with the emotional impact of crime
Crime can have a damaging impact on your mental and emotional well-being. If you’ve been affected by crime, one of the ways we can help you is by giving you the support you need to cope with emotional stress.
Our support is based on the World Health Organisation’s ‘psychological first aid’ model, which is used worldwide to support people in the aftermath of a stressful event. We can also offer help to relatives and friends.
Research shows that for a lot of people, to talk about the impact of crime is a help in itself. In addition, we have an extensive database of other services which are available to those who have experienced crime.
What we do is similar to counselling, but it’s not the same. Counselling is a very specific type of therapy practised by qualified professionals who analyse someone’s entire life and history to help them understand themselves better. That’s not something most victims of crime need – usually, they just need some help dealing with the emotional turmoil they’re experiencing. But when we think someone does need counselling, we can help to arrange it.
Our staff and volunteers are trained to listen, give information and offer feedback. They can help you to make sense of what you’ve been through, discuss your options and help you to feel like you’re getting your life under control again. We won’t ask you to tell us what happened, and you can choose how much you want us to know. Talking with us gives you the chance to get things off your chest and let go of distressing experiences.
While some people can do this with friends and family, it doesn’t work that way for everyone, especially if those around you are affected by the crime too. We can provide a safe, neutral place for you to voice your fears, worries and emotions. This helps a lot of people to cope and move forward after a crime.