Unsung heroes praised for supporting people affected by road tragedies

Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston today applauded volunteers who provide vital specialist support to victims and witnesses of road tragedies to cope and recover from trauma.  

As the nation continues to mark National Road Victim Month (August), the PCC thanked all those who volunteer for the Road Victims Trust (RVT). The charity, which has been operating for more than 30 years, continues to provide emotional and practical help to people across Cambridgeshire impacted by grief or trauma following a road death, serious injury or life-changing collision. 

Support is provided confidentially and free of charge and includes a special counselling service for however long it is needed for bereaved loved-ones, families, witnesses and those involved in the collision itself.  

The PCC provides an annual funding allocation to support the charity’s work – with £70k allocated for 2026 - 2027. Through volunteer counsellors, the charity was able to triple the value of the PCC’s funding award in 2025/26 with 17 volunteers delivering more than 1,200 hours of support to victims in Cambridgeshire – providing added value of some £120k. 

Darryl, who is Chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership, said: “The value of specialist counselling in such tragic and devastating circumstances cannot be underestimated. Over the years, RVT staff and volunteers have helped to rebuild thousands of lives and provide hope for those affected by the trauma of road tragedy. 

“Sadly, there are still far too many people killed or seriously injured on our roads. Our Road Safety Partnership is working hard to change this, investing in resources and projects aimed at reducing road deaths and significantly reducing the severity and number of serious injuries across the county.  

“When the very worst happens, it is heartening to know the RVT is available to ensure victims do not suffer alone. There are experienced counsellors who help people find the tools and the courage to rebuild their lives.” 

Paul Cook, CEO of the Road Victims Trust added: “National Road Victim Month is an important opportunity to remember every person whose life has been changed by a road collision and to recognise the compassion and commitment of those who support them. 

“During 2025/26, the funding provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner enabled the Road Victims Trust to support more than 150 people across Cambridgeshire who were directly affected by the trauma and grief of fatal and life-changing road collisions. 

“We are extremely grateful for the Commissioner’s continued support and for the dedication of our trained volunteer counsellors, who give their time and expertise to ensure that people do not have to face the devastating consequences of a road collision alone.” 

Supporting Victims and Witnesses is one of five key pillars in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, with the Commissioner setting out a series of commitments to improve victim care across the force area.  

These include ensuring victims can access support services that offer a bespoke response to their individual needs, providing opportunities for victims’ and witnesses’ voices to be heard and working with criminal justice agencies to ensure victims and witnesses remain at the heart of the criminal justice system.  

The RVT works on a one-to-one basis with clients, providing regular counselling for as long as it is useful. It also offers case management support and practical help over the phone for people who do not take up the offer of counselling. This could include signposting to other services or providing practical information from the police or coroner’s office.  

Additionally, the charity can offer court support for clients going through the criminal justice or inquest process.  

National Road Victim Month is held annually in August to honour the memory of road traffic victims and raise awareness of the ongoing need for improved road safety measures to save lives.  

For more information about the Road Victims Trust visit: Home - Road Victims Trust