We are excited to share that First Light has partnered with Young Devon, Victim Support, and Operation Emotion to deliver the new Plymouth Sexual Violence Therapeutic Service. This collaboration brings together specialist expertise to strengthen support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse across Plymouth.
The new service ensures that anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse can access high‑quality therapeutic support in a safe, compassionate, and supportive environment. Through our partnership model, survivors will benefit from:
- A dedicated multi‑agency team working together
- Improved access to counselling and therapeutic interventions
- A service shaped around safety, wellbeing, and long‑term recovery
This partnership represents our shared commitment to ensuring no survivor feels alone. By combining our experience, we are building a stronger, more connected network of support for Plymouth. Together, we are strengthening accessibility, enhancing service quality, and ensuring every survivor is met with compassion, belief, and the support needed to move forward.
As highlighted by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, this new model is being introduced to create clearer pathways into support, stronger coordination, and better alignment with survivor needs. This model aims to deliver a more joined‑up, trauma‑informed approach that reduces barriers and improves consistency of care.
Our partnership reflects and supports this direction. By bringing together the combined expertise of four specialist organisations, we will ensure:
- Simplified access to therapeutic support
- Improved continuity of care, from first contact through to ongoing healing
- A survivor‑centred approach grounded in compassion, respect, and empowerment
- A multidisciplinary team equipped to support a diverse range of needs and experiences
This joined‑up service model aligns with wider regional efforts to ensure survivors receive support that is timely, holistic, and tailored to their individual journey.
We look forward to sharing more updates as this service continues to develop.
View the announcement from The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: https://devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk/improved-support-for-survivors-of-rape-and-sexual-abuse
