A VISIT from one of the nation’s most prominent victims’ campaigners has reinvigorated and inspired the team behind a Wiltshire Police service dedicated to Swindon victims.

Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Helen Newlove visited Horizon Victim and Witness Care at Wiltshire Police’s headquarters in Devizes.

The Horizon service, which launched six months ago, supports victims and witnesses of crime across Swindon and Wiltshire.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, commissioned the Horizon service which has supported more than 1,100 vulnerable victims of crime.

The service provides phone support to victims from the moment they report a crime, through the criminal justice process and to the conclusion of their case.

Horizon provides a vital single point of contact to keep victims and witnesses up to date and provides signposting to other agencies.

Michelle Nott, the Horizon manager, said: “We were delighted to receive a visit from the Baroness.

“She really inspired the team and renewed the passion they have for the work we do at Horizon.”

Mr Macpherson said: “When I stood for election as commissioner, I was determined to put the victims of crime centre stage, rather than waiting nervously in the wings for justice to be done.

“After my election I carried out consultations about victim services at a number of locations and Baroness Newlove accompanied me to a session in Salisbury.

“We spoke to victims about their experience of dealing with the police and the criminal justice system and about the impact on them and their families.

“Baroness Newlove was unable to be at the Horizon launch in March, so I was delighted that she has travelled to Wiltshire to meet the team and find out how Horizon is making a difference.”