Hello

This week I was delighted to welcome members of Sussex Neighbourhood Watch to my office for a special ceremony to recognise the achievements of Derek Pratt MBE, Deputy Chair & Secretary of the Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation.

Derek has been awarded the VISAV Award for Most Proactive Neighbourhood Watch Membership Support Administrator, which celebrates those who go above and beyond in using the Neighbourhood Alert system to strengthen community engagement and keep people informed.

Derek has done exactly that. His proactive approach to managing and growing local Neighbourhood Watch schemes, supporting coordinators and helping thousands of residents stay connected and safer has made a real and lasting difference.

By championing clear communication, boosting subscriber numbers for Sussex Alertsand ensuring vital crime‑prevention messages reach the right people at the right time, Derek has become an indispensable part of the system that helps protect our communities and builds trust across Sussex.

Derek has also been recognised with a Neighbourhood Watch Award for his long and outstanding service. I’m incredibly proud of the work he does and I know many of you are too. I hope you will join me in congratulating Derek on this brilliant and thoroughly deserved recognition.

Additional support services for victims of sexual violence and abuse

Since 2014, I have been responsible for providing support for victims of crime. My Police and Crime Plan explains in detail how I ensure people in Sussex can access the best and most suitable services.

Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, I dedicated £5.5 million to local services that help victims. This included £2.1 million for specialist services for survivors of sexual abuse and I have committed to providing a similar level of funding for the next 12 months.

These specialist services include: Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs); counselling; support for children; outreach and group support for survivors of sexual violence; peer support; and recovery groups.

Following findings from independent research that I recently funded, I am pleased to announce that several new specialist support services will soon be available:

• A women-only* support group for survivors of sexual violence – provided by Survivors Network - available from April 26.
• A specialist Sexual Harm Support Worker to help LGBTQIA+ victims – provided by Switchboard - available from April 26.
• A male Independent Sexual Violence Advisor – provided by Mankind UK - available Autumn 2026.

Over a year ago, I made a pledge publicly to delivering a dedicated, women-only* service for survivors of sexual violence, abuse or harassment. By working with Survivors Network, my team and I will ensure that those who need this space can access it with dignity and confidence. All the services I fund will be continuously reviewed to ensure they meet the needs of those they are intended to support.

Detailed information on these services, eligibility, how to access them and all the other support they provide, will be available on each organisation’s website. You can also find details of all support services available for victims of crime on my Safe Space Sussex website.

*women only = those assigned female at birth, who still identify as a woman.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner