NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB) has secured funding through a major national programme to improve how people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence are identified and supported through local GP practices.
The ICB is one of just 12 NHS organisations nationally selected to take part in the first phase of the Government’s Steps to Safety programme, which aims to help more victims and survivors access specialist support through the NHS.
The ICB has been awarded the full amount requested in its funding bid, with a proposed investment of £2.8 million, subject to final confirmation, to strengthen services across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Working alongside the Norfolk and Suffolk Offices of the Police and Crime Commissioner and specialist voluntary and community sector organisations, the programme will help create a more joined-up approach to identifying domestic abuse and sexual violence, providing earlier support and connecting people with the services they need.
GP practices have an important role to play in recognising the signs of abuse and offering a safe and trusted route to help. The new programme will build on this by giving healthcare professionals greater access to specialist advice, training and referral pathways.
The funding is expected to support:
- Specialist support workers: A dedicated navigator workforce to work alongside GP practices, helping victims and survivors access appropriate specialist services.
- Improved referrals: A digital referral and triage system to help connect people with the right support more quickly.
- Training for GP teams: Practical training, advice and guidance to help healthcare professionals recognise the signs of abuse and respond sensitively and effectively.
- Evaluation and improvement: Monitoring the impact of the programme to help improve services and inform future approaches.
Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board, said: “Domestic abuse and sexual violence can have devastating and long-lasting effects on people’s physical and mental health, and we know that taking the first step to ask for help is not always easy.
“For many people, their GP practice is somewhere they already have a relationship of trust. This funding gives us an important opportunity to build on that relationship, helping healthcare professionals recognise when someone may be experiencing abuse and ensuring they can offer the right support at the right time.
“We are proud that Norfolk and Suffolk has been selected as one of the first areas nationally to take part in this programme. By working closely with our partners and specialist organisations, we want to make it easier for victims and survivors to be heard, supported and connected with the help they need.
“Ultimately, this is about making sure that nobody experiencing abuse feels they have to face it alone.”
The programme is now moving through its planning and mobilisation stages, with the first phase of services nationally expected to begin operating from February/March 2027.
Local delivery arrangements and timescales will be confirmed as the programme develops.