Elevating Survivor Voices: The Impact of Co-Production and Collaboration at STADA

Over the past 13 months, we have had the privilege of working with our Health Team to facilitate a Co-Production Survivor Network that has been nothing short of inspiring. This dedicated group of survivors has worked alongside us to develop vital recommendations for best practices in the Health sector, helping ensure that survivor voices are not only heard but embedded in systemic change. 

As the sessions concluded at the end of November, we celebrated the incredible work, commitment, and progress this group made with gratitude and recognition.  

Celebrating Survivors 

Very recently, we hosted our first celebratory session, reflecting on both the visible and less obvious outcomes of this transformative journey. Among the more tangible achievements is the co-production of recommendations tailored to each care setting, paving the way for meaningful, positive change. 

However, the personal impacts on network members are equally profound. Connections formed among members, the mutual learning, and the support they offered one another have been truly moving. Many members shared how the process boosted their confidence, empowered them to share personal experiences (such as those relating to mental health), and helped them overcome fears of judgment. These stories of growth and connection underscore the deeper value of the Survivor Network and its role in fostering resilience and empowerment. 

As a small gesture of our appreciation, we have sent each of our 12 network members a special package for the closing sessions. These goodie boxes include STADA tote bags filled with vegan snacks, coffee and tea sachets, a STADA pen, a personalised acrylic sign, and a thoughtful handwritten card. Each member also receives a certificate, a reference letter toward future employment, and, after our last session, a badge for LinkedIn or CV recognition to honour their contributions. 

These packages are a reminder that the members of this network are not just participants but pioneers leading the way to better, more responsive healthcare pathways. 

About the Survivor Network 

The Survivor Network’s vision is to ensure that survivor voices from all regions of England are embedded in our work and that their experiences directly inform the health sector. The network serves as a source of insight for professionals across various health and domestic abuse sectors, ultimately feeding into our Crossing Pathways Network. 

The Role of Crossing Pathways 

Crossing Pathways, led by our dedicated Regional Leads at STADA, convenes professionals every six weeks. These sessions bring together practitioners from the health sector, domestic abuse services, and local authorities across England to collaboratively build knowledge, share pathways, and create best-practice responses to support survivors. 

Through Crossing Pathways, recommendations co-produced by the Survivor Network are shared with healthcare professionals, challenging them to evaluate and improve pathways and accessibility for survivors. The topics tackled by the Survivor Network address three primary areas—Primary Care, Secondary Care, and Community Care—focusing on identifying both barriers and opportunities to improve survivors’ experiences. 

Key Milestones and Achievements 

The Survivor Network has achieved remarkable milestones, breaking down and analysing barriers while identifying actionable opportunities to improve healthcare and support systems for survivors. Together, we’ve co-produced recommendations that will inform Crossing Pathways and contribute to STADA’s broader mission of ensuring that every survivor has access to compassionate, supportive care. 

Looking Ahead 

Through this work, we have seen firsthand the power of amplifying survivor voices—not only in driving systemic change but in creating a supportive community that respects, uplifts, and empowers those impacted by violence. As we celebrate these achievements, we remain committed to embedding survivor voices across our projects and networks to create a safer, more inclusive society. 

Join us in celebrating this journey—and a heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed to making this work possible. Together, we are making strides in empowering survivors and transforming lives.