New space for victims of crime at Rochdale police station

Chief Superintendent Chris Sykes joins staff from Victim Support, volunteers and police staff to launch the Birch Room

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A second space at Rochdale police station dedicated specifically to support victims of crime has been officially launched.

GMP officers joined representatives from Victim Support to launch the Birch Room on Wednesday as it became the second space to be dedicated to victim experience at the station.

The Willow Room has been a dedicated safe place in Rochdale police station since it opened in 2009 and will now be used solely by GMP whilst the Birch Room will be a specialist room dedicated to Victim Support.

Claire Powell, contract manager for Victim Support in Manchester, said: "It's important that people affected by crime are given the support they need and the respect they deserve.

"We're delighted to have funded the furnishing of the Birch Room, which we hope will aid the police and Victim Support staff to better support victims at Rochdale police station."

Victim Support has fitted the Birch Room with specialist equipment and chairs to create a ‘soft’ environment for people who need extra support such as victims of serious crime and children. It is designed to encourage vulnerable victims to feel at ease when receiving support at the police station, helping them on their journey to recovery.

Chief Superintendent Chris Sykes said: “Victims are at the core of everything that we do and we are constantly looking at ways to improve their experience when they come to us.

“The new Birch Room, supplied with furniture from Victim Support, will allow us to give our victims the time and space they need, in a comfortable and safe environment.”