Home / Who We've Helped / Friends Against Scams

We're a Friends Against Scams partner working to educate and protect people, empowering everyone to take a stand against scams.

Friends Against Scams is designed to inspire action, highlight the scale of the problem, change the perceptions of why people fall for scams and make scams a community, regional and national topic.

Safer Communties is an official partner in the delivery of Friends Against Scams awareness sessions. We educate people so they can learn about the different types of scams, how to spot them, and support themselves and others. With increased knowledge and awareness, people can make scams part of everyday conversation with their family, friends and neighbours, which will enable them to protect themselves and others.

Safer Communities works as an advocate for victims of fraud, to educate people across the area about the most recent scams, the impact of this type of crime and how people can protect themselves.

As of the end of 2021, the total savings from people becoming ‘Friends’ is more than £51m. Of those who were not aware of where they get advice and report scams to prior completing the training, 93% stated they now know where to get advice and report scams after completing the training

Whats the impact?

£51m savings in the UK

As at 2021, the total savings from people becoming Friends is more than £51m

Saving the economy money

For every Friend Against Scams, £59 is the savings made to the UK economy

Knowledge and awareness

93% stated they now know where to get advice and report scams after completing the training.

Other people we’ve helped

See all the people we’ve helped

SARC North East

SARC North East – provided a 24/7 service at four centres across the region in Teesside, Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle, to anyone who had experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse. Our specialist staff provided support following recent and non-recent sexual assault, providing adice to both patients and police and provided acute forensic examination.

Community Peer Mentors

Community Peer Mentors are motivated and enthusiastic volunteers from the local community who support vulnerable, isolated people affected by significant life-changing events, whether they are victims, survivors, perpetrators, or those who’ve fallen through the cracks in society. Safer Communities delivered the programme across Durham and Darlington on behalf of the Police Crime and Commissioner from 2015 to 2020.