“This pilot will make a real difference to victims’ lives”

A new pilot victim support service has been launched to significantly improve support for victims of the most serious road traffic collisions in London.

The service is being piloted by TfL, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), police and charities Brake and RoadPeace.

Despite progress being made, last year 102 people were killed and 3,859 seriously injured on London’s roads.

TfL says the devastating consequences for the families, friends and communities impacted by these deaths and life-changing injuries is immense.

The new service will help support people affected by the most serious collisions and those experiencing a bereavement or catastrophic injury, through:

• Caseworkers recruited by Brake, who can provide trauma-informed, emotional and practical support for each victim and their family, including help navigating the justice system, advocacy and help accessing specialise services if needed
• Longer-term aftercare support provided by RoadPeace, specialising in support from people with experience of the devastation caused by road traffic collisions, via dedicated London support groups, a telephone befriending service and an eight-week trauma support programme for families bereaved by road deaths
• Support will be available in person for those who need it, as well as over the phone and online
• Direct referral from the police into support services, which will mean that victims of the most serious traffic collisions will no longer be responsible for sourcing help and initiating contact themselves

Over the one-year pilot period, TfL will evaluate how the service is working. This will inform the future approach beyond the trial.

Sophie Linden, deputy mayor for policing and crime, said: “Victims and families affected by road danger are often not getting the support they need and deserve.

“Currently the onus is on victims – who are often traumatised, in shock or bereaved – to proactively seek out support services and many fall through the net. This can’t be allowed to continue.

“The victim support partnership pilot will provide high quality support and give officers the resources they need to communicate this offer to victims more effectively. This pilot will make a real difference to victims’ lives.”

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