An innovative new service supported almost 3,400 crime victims in its first nine months.

The Help Hub guides people across Powys towards specialist local advice after a crime or anti-social behaviour incident.

It was developed by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon and is delivered by staff from Victim Support.

Mr Salmon said: “The Help Hub is supporting hundreds of people who are in a dark or difficult place.

“Coming to terms with crime can be hard, and that’s where this service is having an incredibly positive impact.”

The Dyfed-Powys Help Hub launched in April last year and is based at Police HQ in Llangunnor, Carmarthen. It is free, confidential and makes it easier for people to cope with the difficulties crime brings.

Victim Support’s victim care manager Paulene Mullins said: “The Help Hub is highly effective at identifying the needs of individual victims of crime, and ensuring those needs are met by offering a support service that is right for them.

“All services are free and confidential and victims don’t have to report the offence to the police to access the services

“People are finding it easy to use – either with a search on its website or through our team by phone or email.”

Assault victim Jane, aged 40, said: “The Help Hub played a very big part in getting me through.

“Had it not been for this support it would have been a different story. I say a massive thank you to the Help Hub.”

Chief Supt Aled Davies, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “The Help Hub is a real asset to us as a service.

“It’s there to provide the extra support victims of crime often need; I urge anyone who feels they would like to talk to someone independent of an investigation to get in touch.”

Latest figures reveal that, in the nine months after launch, 12,487 referrals were made to the Help Hub, mainly by the police.

Of those eligible to receive assistance 3,381 accepted it with 2,127 of them identified as requiring further support. This ranged from practical help in accessing services to provision of personal alarms. Of these 511 were given face-to-face support. Many victims were put in touch with one or more of the 240 services in Help Hub’s support database.

Those in this directory include Age Cymru Powys which offers advice for older people.

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

Visit the Help Hub website - www.dyfedpowys-helphub.org.uk or email the Help Hub - [email protected] or telephone 0300 1232996.