NHS Surrey and Sussex selected for national Steps to Safety programme
NHS Surrey and Sussex has been selected as one of the first areas in England to take part in the national Steps to Safety programme, helping improve support for people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Steps to Safety is a nationally funded programme that aims to create stronger referral pathways between GP practices and specialist support services. The programme is designed to help more victims and survivors access support, improve safety and reduce the health impacts of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
NHS Surrey and Sussex is one of twelve pilot areas in the country selected to take part in the programme's initial phase. Work will now begin with local partners to develop and implement the service, with delivery expected to begin from early 2027.
Across Surrey and Sussex there is already an established network of specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services.
Steps to Safety will build on those existing services, with a particular focus on making it easier for people to get the right help through primary care.
The programme will bring together organisations from across Surrey and Sussex, including general practice, local authorities, safeguarding partners and specialist voluntary sector services, helping people access the support they quickly and easily.
The programme will include:
- helping clinical and non-clinical staff recognise signs of abuse, respond appropriately to and understand local services and support;
- specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence workers linked with GP practices, Primary Care Networks and neighbourhoods; and
- stronger links with existing specialist and voluntary sector services.
Allison Cannon, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex said:
“We recognise the impact that domestic abuse and sexual violence has on our residents and communities, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensuring help is available and people are working together to support those affected.
“GP practices are trusted places where people seek advice and support, and often have regular contact with people who may not previously have felt able to ask for help.
“This programme is about giving primary care teams the knowledge, confidence and specialist support they need to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and sexual violence, respond safely and help people access appropriate support.
“We already have valuable specialist services across Surrey and Sussex. Steps to Safety gives us an opportunity to connect primary care more consistently with that expertise so that we can identify concerns earlier and make it easier for people to get help.”
The programme has been developed collaboratively with local authorities, Police and Crime Commissioner teams, primary care representatives, safeguarding leaders and specialist voluntary and community sector providers across Surrey and Sussex. Partners formally endorsed the Surrey and Sussex expression of interest.
Find out more about the national programme.