VICTIMS of crime are being encouraged to find out more about restorative justice with the creation of a new hub.

The Essex Restorative Justice Hub will be holding an event next Tuesday at the Royal Shopping Centre in Southend where visitors will be able to find out more about restorative justice, a process giving victims of crime the opportunity to meet or communicate with those who have offended against them.

Nick Alston, police and crime commissioner for Essex launched the hub in April and the project was initially trialled for six months in west Essex, but is now being rolled out to the rest of the county.

The Southend event will take place from 8.30am to 12pm.

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "I am pleased that our Restorative Justice Hub has proven to be such a success and we are now able to offer this service to victims of crime and conflict across Essex.

Restorative justice is used for some crimes and anti-social behaviour. Everyone involved must consent to take part.

Interactions between victims and offenders take place with the help of volunteers who are recruited and trained by the Essex Restorative Justice Hub.

To take part in restorative justice victims can get referred by partner agencies – such as Victim Support or Essex Police – or complete the simple self-referral form at the following link http://www.essex.pcc.police.uk/restorative-justice/.