Taking on the role of Chief Executive of the Road Victims Trust has brought with it moments of immense pride, reflection, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Every week, across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire, we support individuals and families who have experienced the very worst of what life can throw at them – the sudden and traumatic loss of a loved one on the road, or life-changing injuries that alter futures in an instant. We also continue to support existing families in Norfolk and Suffolk, although we are not currently accepting new referrals from those counties. The numbers are stark, but the reality behind them is even more harrowing. Behind every statistic is a name, a family, a story of loss, and a long road to recovery.

During my own time as a road traffic officer (in a very different era), there was no formal post-collision support. Families and those affected had to rely on the officer in the case, the local community, and their own friends and family. While often well-meaning, this informal network couldn’t possibly meet the deep emotional and psychological needs created by such trauma. Thankfully, we have come a long way since then. The introduction of dedicated Family Liaison Officers (FLOs), and the development of charities like the Road Victims Trust, have transformed the support available – ensuring it is specialist, compassionate, and consistent.

For 30 years, the Road Victims Trust has stood as a source of unwavering support. We provide trauma-informed counselling and practical help that is tailored to each individual’s needs. The service is delivered by a small but highly committed team of employed staff, supported by an incredible group of seventy-three trained counselling volunteers. These volunteers give the greatest gift – their time – to help others during their darkest moments. It is a deeply human act of kindness that defines everything this charity stands for.

In the last financial year alone, together we delivered over 3,200 hours of free specialist counselling. But this service does not happen by chance – it’s only possible through the continued support of our partners, donors, outstanding fundraisers, and the dedicated professionals we work alongside in policing, coronial services, and victim care.

I am incredibly proud of the work we do. But I am also conscious that access to this kind of post-collision support isn’t yet a universal right, it often depends on where the collision takes place. While we are fortunate to have strong support across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, families in other parts of the UK are not so well served. That must change. Everyone affected by a fatal or life-changing road collision deserves the same level of care, no matter what their postcode. The Road Victims Trust demonstrates what is possible when specialist, compassionate support is prioritised. We will continue to work alongside partners – including colleagues from other post-collision support charities – to help ensure that this level of care is available to everyone who needs it, wherever they are.

That’s why this blog is the start of a monthly conversation. Each month, I’ll be sharing stories, challenges, and successes from the RVT’s work – not just to inform, but to connect. To highlight the real impact of our work and why it needs to be properly funded and embedded within a broader vision for road safety and justice.

Road trauma does not discriminate. But with the right support, healing is possible. With your support, we can continue to ensure that no one affected by a fatal or life-changing road collision ever has to face it alone.

Paul Cook
Chief Executive