A CHARITY aimed at helping people whose loved ones have been murdered has now received national funding.

Escaping Victimhood, based in Winchester, has been given £301,000 over the next three years from the Reaching Communities Fund at the Big Lottery to help them support people who have indirectly fell victim to crime.

Director, Debra Clothier, said: “This will enable to us to develop our programmes so all those who have lost a loved one through murder or manslaughter can have the opportunity to attend the Escaping Victimhood Programme if they wish, and to give them the opportunity for a more positive future following their traumatic bereavement.”

The charity aims to help these victims through residential counselling; a specialist programme which brings people together in groups of 12 to work through their problems away from their normal environment.

Over 500 people are murdered every year in England and Wales, often leaving family and friends traumatised. Not only do they have the stress of coping with loss but their involvement with the criminal justice system can often make the bereavement process even more difficult. It has been known to have financial impacts as well as causing mental and physical health problems.

For more information please contact Escaping Victimhood at info@escapingvictimhood.com or visit the website escapingvictimhood.com.