Bedfordview Community Police Forum to revamp Victim Support Centre (VSC) at the Bedfordview Police Station

The Bedfordview Community Police Forum (BCPF) is on track to re-launch the Victim Support Centre (VSC) at the Bedfordview Police Station.

The planned re-launch of the re-vamped building is set for February 1. When the BCPF launched the SAPS Mandela Boardroom last year, it was decided that the VSC needed urgent attention.

An appeal was sent out for a list of required items, and the community of Bedfordview responded. Alison Grobbelaar, marketing and public relations representative for the BCFP, said the VSC is often the first line of engagement for victims following a traumatic event.

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“BCPF has a team of trained volunteer trauma debriefers and counsellors who are available 24/7 to assist where needed,” she said. Following the call from the forum, Residents Action Group (RAG) Bedfordview donated paint as well as labour through it’s Better Bedfordview initiative.

Other donations received included drywalling, window tinting, consumables, pinboards, visitor chairs and a sleeper couch.

To complete the re-vamp of the VSC, the BCFP still needs a fridge, air conditioner, blinds for three windows or repair of the blinds in the centre and canisters for coffee, tea and sugar.

Residents or businesses who are able to assist can contact Alison at marketing@bcpf.co.za or on 082 565 6018.
Alternatively, contact Tyrone at info@bcpf.co.za

All you need to know about VSC

• Where is the Bedfordview VSC located?
The Bedfordview VSC is located at the Bedfordview SAPS Station.
• Who can access the VSC?
The services at the VSC are open to all residents and businesses of Bedfordview sectors 1, 2 and 3.
• What is the purpose of a VSC?
To provide a safe and calm environment conducive to post-trauma counselling.
• What was the inspiration behind the VSC?
Members of the Bedfordview community were willing to give freely of their time to help people traumatised by crime. The VSC was made available for this purpose.
• Who conducts the victim support?
The VSC has both trauma debriefers, who engage with victims at the time of an incident, as well as trauma counsellors, who are available to counsel victims after the event.
• Do you require additional counsellors?
The BCPF is recruiting additional counsellors and hopes to be able to offer multi-lingual capabilities in order to be able to support the broader community. A profile for these positions detailing requirements will be posted on the BCPF Facbook page.

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