An innovative new service has launched today (Wednesday, September 23) to support thousands of crime victims across Carmarthenshire.

The Help Hub is an online, phone and email portal for people across Carmarthenshire, and the whole force area to find services that can advise and guide locally after a crime or anti-social behaviour incident.

It’s the first time the 240 services have been brought together as one potent force. The service is one of several developed by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon to protect vulnerable people.

Between January and June this year there were 3,011victim-based offences committed in Carmarthenshire.

The free and confidential Help Hub will make it easier for such victims to cope with the difficulties crime brings.

PCC Mr Salmon said: “Coming to terms with crime can be hard, and that’s where the Help Hub steps in. It will help and support those in a dark or difficult place.

“The service is really easy to use – either do a simple search on the website or contact the Help Hub team by phone or email. Either way, you’ll find a service that meets your needs.”

The Help Hub points to services which can provide practical, pastoral and personal support for those suffering emotional or physical hurt. They include Carmarthenshire People First for people with learning disabilities, the Carmarthenshire Mental Health Team as well as the Dyfed Powys Anti-Social Behaviour Service where Joanna, 35, works as a coordinator.

Speaking of the work she carries out Joanna says: “It’s rewarding when successful conclusions are reached for victims using action plans devised by the group.

“The groups give agencies the chance to share knowledge and expertise. Because we host the groups throughout the region, we can share other agencies’ methods of dealing with difficult cases.”

The Help Hub service is available whether or not the crime has been reported - and regardless of when it happened.

Dyfed-Powys is home to more than half a million people and is the biggest police force area in England and Wales. Crime is low but victims can feel particularly vulnerable in isolated rural communities.

The force is responsible for policing many countryside neighbourhoods plus busy towns including Welshpool, Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth.

Visit the Help Hub website – www.dyfedpowys-helphub.org.uk, phone - 0300 1232996 email - contactmehelphub@victimsupport.org.uk