MERSEYSIDE crime victims are facing an "unacceptable postcode lottery" of care, says the county's deputy police commissioner.

Councillor Ann O’Byrne is campaigning to raise awareness of the "restorative justice" programme which gives victims the chance to come face-to-face with offenders.

But the scheme is only working effectively in some parts of the county while others are failing to get the support needed to help victims.

Now Cllr O'Byrne is looking for an organisation to join her in helping improve the process to ensure victims right across Merseyside have the opportunity to use restorative justice if they choose.

She said: “Restorative justice is about giving victims the chance to be heard, to get answers and to get a sense of closure.

"Giving victims the chance to come face-to-face with those who have committed crimes against them can be really empowering and help people who have been affected by crime to find a positive way forward.

"At the moment, victims are facing a postcode lottery of care.

"This is simply unacceptable, which is why I am now seeking an experienced and knowledgeable partner organisation to help deliver this work across the whole of Merseyside.

“I want to make sure that restorative justice is delivered as effectively as possible for victims in our region so that people, no matter where they live, can access this service if they wish."

The successful organisation will be expected to work closely with Merseyside Police and all criminal justice partners to increase awareness and use of restorative justice to provide an effective and consistent service across the entire region.

Councillor O’Byrne added: “Restorative justice is also about making offenders face up to the consequences of their actions, take responsibility for their crimes and appreciate the suffering they may have caused.

“This takes a lot of skill and care and so restorative justice has to be done in the right way at the right time. That is why it is vital we get the right partner.”

The nine-month contract will be funded through a Ministry of Justice grant.

Organisations are invited to apply by June 15 at http://uk.eu-supply.com/login.asp?B=BLUELIGHT.