The question of what support services are available to victims of crime in Wooler is a vital one, particularly given that Wooler, a Built-Up Area (BUA) in Northumberland with a population of 3776, has a crime rate of 51.1 per 1,000 residents – a figure lower than the UK average of 91.6. While Wooler's safety score is a respectable 89 out of 100, which is above the UK average of 79, it’s important to be aware of and prepared to access support should it be needed.
Unfortunately, specific, locally-run support services directly in Wooler are difficult to detail without access to local council directories, which are not provided. However, victims of crime in Northumberland, and therefore Wooler residents, are entitled to support from a range of organisations. These typically include:
- Northumbria Police Victim Services: This is the primary point of contact after reporting a crime. They can provide information about the investigation process, court proceedings, and victim's rights.
- Victim Support: A national charity offering emotional and practical support to victims of crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the police. They provide helplines, local support workers, and advocacy services.
- Northumberland County Council: The local council is responsible for commissioning and providing a range of community services, including support for vulnerable individuals. They may be able to signpost to local charities and organisations offering specific assistance.
- National Charities: Numerous national charities, such as the NSPCC (for child victims), Women's Aid (for victims of domestic abuse), and Age UK (for older victims), offer specialised support.
Accessing these services often involves contacting the police following an incident, who can then refer you to appropriate support agencies. Victim Support, in particular, is easily accessible via their national helpline. It is also worth contacting Northumberland County Council's social services department for information on local provisions. The relatively lower crime rate in Wooler (51.1 per 1,000) compared to the national average suggests a generally safe environment, but preparedness remains key.