New service transforms support for sexual abuse survivors with complex mental health needs

A new Greater Manchester service, the Pathfinder Partnership, is providing much-needed support for survivors of sexual abuse and violence who have additional and complex mental health needs.

The service, a joint NHS and voluntary sector project, has already supported over 50 survivors of sexual abuse and violence with additional mental health needs; and is one of just six projects nationally funded by NHS England’s £20 million funding boost for sexual assault and domestic violence services.

Led by our Greater Manchester Resilience Hub, the service is run in partnership with Manchester NHS Foundation Trust’s sexual assault referral centre (SARC), We Are Survivors, Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH), TRC Sexual Abuse and Rape Support Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Rape Crisis.

Gillian Szafranski, clinical lead for the service, explains: “Whilst existing sexual assault and abuse services are able to help with sexual trauma, they’re not always able to deal with complex mental health issues which may impact a client’s journey towards recovery.

“In the past, clients with complex mental health needs can sometimes get ‘stuck’ and a lack of joined up working between the NHS and voluntary sector, can prevent survivors getting the help they need.”

 The Pathfinder Partnership, which went live in April 2024, includes a team of pathfinder workers who provide low level support and case management within our partner organisations; as well as a psychiatrist and highly specialised psychotherapists who provide consultation, specialist psychological therapies, training and staff support. ​​​​​

Angela Roberts, counselling and operations manager at Greater Manchester Rape Crisis, said: “I don’t know where we’d be without the Pathfinder Partnership. In the past, there were some clients we were unable to support due to their complex mental health needs. Now we have access to Pathfinder consultations, training and support, we’re have the skills and resources available to provide the help and support they need.”

You can find out more about the project, its development and mobilisation, by joining the Pathfinder Partnership: one year on event on Tuesday 21 January 9.30am – 3.30pm. Register here.