CUTS to Government funding have led to the closure of a Bush Hill Park centre that helps victims of crime.

A 16 per cent reduction in funding to the Victim Support charity forced the closure of its office in Main Avenue on Friday, May 6, with all staff moving to central London as part of a merger with services in Haringey, Camden and Islington.

The charity, which offers emotional support to victims through volunteers, plans to run three drop-in centres at locations across the borough – but these have not been decided yet.

Clare Williamson, service delivery manager for Enfield and Haringey, said: “Our Ministry of Justice funding which supports our core services has been reduced by approximately £8 million - as a result our organisation is currently being restructured both nationally and regionally.

“Victim Support Enfield intends to extend and improve its service delivery within the borough.

“Our aim is to reach out to victims in Enfield so we will be focusing on establishing several community bases within the borough.

“As well as offering home visits we can also offer one-to-one support to victims in the area in which they reside.”

The charity is calling on more volunteers to come forward to help it cater for the demand in Enfield - in the last year more than 8,000 cases were referred to workers for crimes ranging from burglary to sexual offences.

Mike Davis, who has volunteered for the charity for more than ten years, said it was a rewarding experience to help those who had suffered at the hands of criminals.

He said: “They can just talk about their emotions and problems to someone that isn't involved with them at all – not a member of family or the police.

“You see people falling apart inside and they just need somebody to talk to.”

Mr Davis, of South Lodge Drive, used to be chairman of the management committee of the Enfield service before Victim Support became a national charity in 2008, and volunteers for three to four hours a week.

He added: “I've worked on burglary cases where children were terrified, and victims of bereavement by homicide – the main thing is to continue to offer emotional support to people.

“It's made me less prejudiced – I've been amazed by the kindness of people from all walks of life. “It's such rewarding work.”

To learn more about volunteering or to speak to someone if you have been a victim of crime, call 0207 336 1775 or click here.