Victim Support has launched a new online live chat service for people affected by crime in London.

The new service will enable people who may find it difficult to access support over the phone or in person to get help more easily. The London live chat service is run by Victim Support and has been funded by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).

London live chat offers a safe online space for people to talk openly about the impact of crime. The service is free, confidential and staffed by trained supporters, who offer emotional and practical support tailored to each person’s needs. Anyone who has been affected by crime in London, whether or not the crime has been reported to the police, can use the service.

The live chat service is open from Monday to Friday, 12pm-7.30pm. If you live in London and have been affected by crime, visit our live chat page to start chatting to one of our supporters. Children and young people can also access this service through our You & Co site.

Bernadette Keane, Director of Services – London at VS, said: “We’ve extended our communication methods to make our support more accessible; last year in London we supported more than 305,000 people and we plan to help even more people recover from the impact of crime with the addition of the London live chat service.”

“As well as live chat, you can also contact us for support by email, calling our free Supportline, completing an online contact form or by calling your nearest VS team.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Crime can have a devastating and lasting impact on people’s lives, which is why I am putting the needs of victims at the heart of policing in London. The right support can go a long way in helping people to cope, and recover from painful experiences. This new service has an important part to play in offering immediate and expert help, especially for people who may find it difficult to speak about their experiences on the phone or in person. I urge anyone who has fallen victim to crime not to suffer in silence, but to get in touch with Victim Support.”

Want to chat? Visit our London live chat page now to talk to one of our supporters.