Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Bolton Victim’s Champion win Best Practice Award

by Ethos public relations

Bolton’s Anti-social Behaviour Victims Champion has won Best Practice at the recent 2011 Social Landlords Crime & Nuisance Group (SLCNG) ‘Delivering Results’ Awards.

The project was set up in August 2010 as part of a new initiative designed to provide intensive support services to vulnerable victims of anti-social behaviour.

Vicky Mulvaney, employed by Contour Homes, is the appointed Victims Champion and she said: “It was a fantastic feeling to win this Award, particularly as we faced such stiff competition from across the UK.

“The Award is testament to the fabulous partnership approach we have in Bolton and proves that when service providers work together and offer a seamless approach to this particular problem, we can get results.”

Vicky and her small team of volunteers are based in a shared office with Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council.

Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Cleaner, Greener, Safer, Councillor Elaine Sherrington, said: “Victims can be severely affected by antisocial behaviour so to have a dedicated project that brings services together that help the victim is an important part of how we tackle anti-social behaviour in the borough.

“This national recognition is testament to the dedication that Vicky, her team of volunteers, and all the agencies involved have put in process to improving people’s lives.”

One crucial element of the project’s success has been the introduction of an Anti Social Behaviour Risk Assessment Conference or ASBRAC, which has been Vicky’s main vehicle to bring in agencies and to establish an action plan, centred on the needs of the victim.

Chief Superintendent David Hull, Divisional Commander for Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton Division, said: “Antisocial behaviour can make people’s lives a misery and for some it can even make life unbearable. This excellent new partnership approach allows us to identify victims who are suffering the most and are at most risk of harm.

“By sharing information and joining together to support the victim and tackle those responsible, we can make a real difference.”

Neil Kenyon from Contour Homes said:

“There was no precedent for the service and so she had to design the entire process from start to finish.

“She then tirelessly promoted the role to ensure she became an integral part of anti-social behaviour management across all housing tenures and within all agencies working in the Bolton area. This recognition is very well deserved.”

The project worked with 82 victims in its first year and has helped to dramatically increase the confidence and service offered to victims of anti-social behaviour across the borough.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 16^th November 2011