A free service providing practical and emotional support to victims of anti-social behaviour across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent has supported almost 400 people, trained nearly 150 professionals and delivered community awareness sessions to almost 2,500 people in its first year.
The Harmony ASB and Mediation Service, commissioned by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office and delivered by Victim Support, was established last October. The region was one of the first Police & Crime Commissioner areas nationally to invest in such a service.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams said: “The impact of anti-social behaviour can be devastating for victims and communities, so this service – one of the first nationally – is vital in providing effective emotional and practical support when people need it.
“Each person’s experience when faced with ASB is different, which is why I was keen to commission a service that offered a range of different channels and options for victims to get support that is tailored to their individual needs.
“In its first year, Harmony has already made a real difference to people’s lives and wellbeing, and helped to keep the needs of ASB victims foremost in the minds of professionals including the Police, councils, housing associations and others.”
Harmony helps victims recover from the impact of ASB, whether they choose to report incidents to the Police or not. It forms part of an integrated system of effective guidance and support for victims, from when they report the incident or recognise that they need support, through to exiting the service.
Since 1 October 2021, Harmony has:
- Received 457 referrals for support or mediation
- Provided support to 397 victims
- Provided advice, guidance, information and signposting to 46 victims
- Offered mediation services to 73 victims
- Delivered ASB awareness training to 147 professionals
- Delivered 33 community awareness sessions to 2,466 people
The tailored, confidential service is designed to be accessible through a range of channels, simple to navigate and prevent victims having to repeat their story on multiple occasions. It includes:
- Emotional support: acknowledging the personal impact of ASB and the ripple effect on family, friends and the wider community, and helping victims rebuild their confidence and independence
- Practical support: navigating the options, legal tools and powers available, arranging adaptations to property and personal security where available via partners, supporting victims with taking photos of any damage and gathering evidence
- Online support: offering self-guided work, including dealing with managing anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation, through the digital My Support Space platform
- Information: sharing information about ASB options and managing expectations about what the Criminal Justice System, Local Authority, Housing and other public services can provide
- Advocacy: liaising with Staffordshire Police and councils, obtaining case updates, providing evidence to support Community Protection Notices, injunctions and harassment orders, and providing letters to support house moves
- Mediation: offering confidential, impartial mediation services between parties, who may be neighbours, near neighbours or community members
The Harmony ASB & Mediation Service will receive £200,000 per year for three years, with an opportunity for a further two-year extension after the initial three years.
Community Safety Partnerships across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are also contributing to the service through the Local Delivery Fund.
Victim Support Area Manager Melina Hancox said: “Victim Support is really pleased with the first-year performance of our anti-social behaviour support service, Harmony. The service delivers a consistent pan-Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent support service and we have made a great start promoting Harmony with key partner services, raising our profile with the community and providing education and awareness of the impact of ASB.
“We have been able to deliver mediation, where suitable, as a direct intervention and in other cases have supported with evidence capture, housing-related matters, supporting the Community Trigger process, and many other forms of practical and emotional support.”
If you’ve been affected by ASB in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, call Harmony on 0330 1757 258 (lines are open 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday). If you need support outside these hours, call the Supportline free on 08 08 16 89 111 or request support via the Victim Support website. In an emergency, always call 999.
Alternatively, create a free account on My Support Space – an online resource containing interactive guides to help manage the impact of ASB.
ENDS
