Information & Advice

Support Services

Victim  Support

The Lighthouse Safeguarding Unit (LSU)

LSU is a dedicated police department for victim and witness care and safeguarding. If you have been a victim of crime, a LSU Victim Witness Care Officer will take the time to discuss your needs and refer you to specialist support if required.

Click here to find out more information. 

SafeLink

SafeLink provide support for anyone (adults and children) within Avon and Somerset, who has been the victim of rape and sexual abuse, irrespective of whether they have reported to the Avon and Somerset Police. 

To find out more about their services

• Call 0333 323 1543
• Email Safe.Link@safelinksupport.co.uk
• Text 07714 290 011
• Website

Support Services

There are a range of victim support services available to help people affected by crime featured on the OPCC website.

Click here for more information. 

Bereavement Support

The National Homicide Service

The National Homicide Service supports people bereaved by murder and manslaughter in England and Wales. Providing immediate practical support, such as assisting with the funeral, childcare and more.

They commission the following services:

• Access to legal advice and support when needed.
• Advocacy on your behalf for housing, finance (e.g. debt), employment, welfare Benefits, family and school issues.
• Bereavement counselling.
• Child bereavement support.
• Comprehensive peer support network, where you can share knowledge, emotional assistance and practical help with others who have been bereaved through murder or manslaughter.
• Restorative justice.
• Trauma counselling.
• Welfare advice.

Bereaved families are normally referred to the National Homicide Service by Police Family Liaison Officers but you can approach them direct on 0300 303 1984 or requesting support online.

Winston’s Wish 

Winston’s Wish is a charity that helps children, teenagers and young adults (up to the age of 25) find their feet when their worlds are turned upside down by grief.

Winston’s Wish provides emotional and practical bereavement support to children, young people (up to 25) and those who care for them.

Support includes:

• Grief support for young people
• Information and advice
• Parents and carers with grieving children.
• Publications and resources
• Support for professionals
• Support for Schools

Their free helpline is open Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 8.00pm and is 08088 020 021. They interpreters for those who dont have English as a first language and also use the Relay UK app service if you have hearing or speech difficulties.

Click here for more information. 

Talk Grief

A dedicated online space for grieving teenagers and young adults (13 to 25 years), powered by the childhood bereavement charity Winston’s Wish. Here you can learn from other young grieving people, find healthy ways to cope and feel less alone. You’ll find out what it’s really like to live with grief from teenagers and young adults, along with advice and tips on managing your grief from our bereavement experts.

Click here for more information. 

Child Bereavement UK

They provide confidential support, information and guidance to individuals, families and professionals throughout the UK.

The support team is available to respond between 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays):

• Phone call on 0800 02 888 40
• E-mail on helpline@childbereavementuk.org
• Website Live Chat 

Child Bereavement UK have created a short, animated film to help adults understand how grieving children can seem to move in and out of their grief, a bit like they’re jumping in and out of a puddle.

Click here for the puddle jumping film. 

Reporting your concerns

If you are worried about someone or have information on a crime, you can report details anonymously via the charity CrimeStoppers, Fearless.org or directly to the police.

• CrimeStoppers
  An independent charity that enables you to report crime 100% anonymously, either online or over the phone 0800 555 111.

• Fearless.org
  The youth arm of Crimestoppers, offering young people the opportunity to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously via their short online form.

• Avon and Somerset Police
  If you are aware someone is carrying a knife or offensive weapon, report it to the police online.

Did you know…

99% of young people do not carry knives, and the cases you read about in the media are usually isolated incidents between people who know each other.

WeaponSurrender Bins

If you have unwanted knives or weapons, that you would like to dispose of safely, you can anonymously place them in one of Avon and Somersets weapon surrender bins.

Please click here to find your closest weapon surrender bin.

When surrendering a knife or offensive weapon:

• Make sure items are wrapped in something such as a towel and carried in a bag to prevent injury.

• Consider going in daylight and during office hours when sites are staffed.

• Make a specific journey rather than carry an item for longer than necessary.

• Check opening hours before taking any large items such as swords, as these will not fit into the surrender bins.

Contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team for more information on how to apply for a weapon surrender bin to be installed in your community.

Did you know…

From 2016 – 2023, there have been over 4,000 knives and weapons surrendered through the existing Avon and Somerset surrender bins.

Did you know…

Over 130 Bleed Kits were installed in communities across Bristol and the South West by the end of 2023.