Support for victims of sexual violence across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has entered a new era with the start of a major contract announced by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones.
The new combined Frankie Worker Service and all-age Sexual Crime Therapeutic Service began on 1st October 2023 and will continue to March 2029 with the PCC committing funding of up to £4,794,482 over the 5-and-a-half year period.
The Frankie Worker Service involves 1-to-1 therapeutic counselling and play therapy support to children and young people aged 0-18 years who are victims of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or female genital mutilation.
The all-age Sexual Crime Therapeutic Service provides a telephone helpline, therapeutic support and activities to help adults, children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse, assault, rape or violence at any time in their lives.
Per year, the PCC funding is up to £871,724, with partnership funding from Integrated Care Boards, NHS England, and Hampshire County Council providing an additional £356,803 per year, so the total allocated annual provision is up to £1,228,527.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has said:
“Victims of sexual violence need to be supported at all times, heard at all times, and given every opportunity to rebuild their lives with robust support services that are effective and transformative.
“I’m making sure that we don’t let down victims of sexual violence, by ensuring that not only is the right support in place for years to come, but that it’s consistent, flexible, personalised and accessible for every victim.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Jenny Erwin, the Mental Health, Learning Disabilities & Autism and Children’s Care Director of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, says:
“This is a great example of partnership working between the NHS, the ICB, police and local authority. The new Frankie Worker Service will be available to all children and young people who are victims of sexual assault across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and it is a project that we are very proud to be part of.
“Transforming children and young people’s mental health services is integral to the NHS Long-Term Plan, and the Frankie Worker Service plays a leading role in supporting the mental health of vulnerable children and young people, improving their access, experience and outcomes.”
Is she still up the pier?
Wat a joke these police are
Make massive cuts, install a pawn to appease, give said pawn a voice, reinvest a fraction of the amount already skimmed away, pawn appears useful, the people think they are being done a favour by the government pawn.