New sexual violence survivor hub to launch in Nottinghamshire

Adult survivors of sexual violence in Nottinghamshire will be offered enhanced support with the launch of a new specialist hub.
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Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping has been working with a host of partners including Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Bassetlaw CCG and Notts County Council to improve the care and emotional recovery of adult victims of sexual abuse and violence.

It follows the outcome of a detailed needs assessment last year, conducted on behalf of the PCC, NHS England/NHS Improvement Midlands, which identified that a more centralised system of support was required for survivors of sexual violence and abuse in Nottinghamshire.

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Working with survivors, they have designed a pioneering vision of specialist support which will include a new Adult Sexual Violence Hub and Specialist Therapy Support Service and are inviting specialist providers to bid for the opportunity to run the new service.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy TippingNottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping

Announcing the launch of the tender, Mr Tipping said: “The idea of a coordinated hub was identified by survivors themselves who were consulted extensively as part of our needs assessment last year. Clearly, accessing therapy can be a complex process and it’s vital we make that journey as smooth and simple as possible to reduce the stress and trauma already experienced by these survivors.

“Violence and abuse leaves emotional scars and suffering that can last for decades and I want to ensure specialist support is available - at the earliest opportunity - to help people successfully move on with their lives.

“Survivors are at the very heart of the new service and will continue to inform and advise on the future of support services to ensure Nottinghamshire meets the needs of all survivors with consistent and effective help.”

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The hub, which will cost almost £950,000 per year to run and will be jointly funded by the PCC, local authorities and clinical commissioning groups, will enable survivors to access a broad range of support services from one place including counselling and psychotherapy as well as information, advice and access to other services.

The tendering process will close in August and the preferred bidder will be notified in September.

David Hollas, who leads the campaign for the Nottinghamshire Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Group, said: "This new service sets a new standard for others to follow in delivering vital support services to those that have sadly suffered the trauma of sexual violence and abuse.

“It demonstrates the benefits of a cohesive, coordinated approach of the authorities working together and engaging those with lived experience to design a service they need and will undoubtedly benefit from."

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Councillor Kay Cutts MBE, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council said: “This new service is vital to those affected by sexual violence, and I am pleased that the County Council is able to play its part. We really must do our best to offer assistance in the most joined up way possible.

If you need support and advice ahead of the new service opening, please contact Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services (Notts SVS Services) https://nottssvss.org.uk/