Protecting people from harm in Surrey

Crime – and the fear of it – can have a lasting impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing. That’s why I am doing everything I can to safeguard both children and adults from harm. Central to this is listening carefully to the experiences of victims and those who support them, and making sure their voices are heard, valued, and used to shape meaningful change.

Key progress during 2024/25: 

• Supporting young people: In 2022, I was proud to launch Surrey’s first Youth Commission focused on policing and community safety, something I had championed from the outset of my term as Police and Crime Commissioner.
• Since then, my office has continued to fully fund and support the Youth Commission, ensuring that young people across Surrey have a real voice when it comes to the issues that affect them most. Through this partnership, we are committed to not only listening, but acting on the insights and priorities they share with us.
• Most recently, Youth Commission members spent months during 2024/25 engaging with nearly 1,500 of their peers across the county – listening to their views and carefully transforming what they heard into a detailed set of recommendations. The resulting work sets out clear priorities not only for my office, but also for Surrey Police and our key partners.
• Their findings highlight the issues that matter most to young people today, including substance misuse, sexual exploitation, and anti-social behaviour – topics that can be complex and difficult, but which the Youth Commission approached with maturity, compassion and clarity.
• I am incredibly proud of everything they have achieved. Their work continues to provide a vital window into the concerns and aspirations of Surrey’s younger residents, helping us all to shape a safer, more supportive future. The voices of young people have never been more important, and I remain focussed on ensuring they are heard and valued at every level of decision-making.
  
  
• Reducing Homelessness and Reoffending in Surrey: In support of our priority to protect people from harm and reduce both reoffending and homelessness, I have continued to fund the work of The Hope Hub – a vital service that offers both a day centre and emergency accommodation for ex-offenders experiencing housing instability in Surrey.
• The Hope Hub delivers a wide range of wraparound support services designed to meet people where they are and help them move towards long-term stability.
• Alongside access to crisis support and safe accommodation (both temporary and permanent) individuals are connected with specialist services including benefits advice, drug and alcohol support, mental health services, and one-to-one coaching for training and employment. For those moving into independent housing, new home starter packs help make that transition possible and dignified.
• This joined-up approach not only reduces the risk of repeat homelessness but also plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of reoffending, supporting individuals to rebuild their lives with confidence and hope.
  
  
• Bridge the Gap: Bridge the Gap plays a crucial role in our communities by working with the police and other public services to solve issues that can make people feel unsafe & to prevent harm by supporting vulnerable people in Surrey. That is why I am delighted to support the amazing work the programme carries out in our county, having awarded £120,000 grant funding for two full-time worker posts.
• Supporting people with multiple disadvantage is vital as around three-quarters of the current clients supported by Bridge the Gap are in contact with criminal justice services and possess a history of offending. Clients on the programme report an improved quality of life and better overall wellbeing. The programme helps them with different aspects of their life, including the ability to seek support, having a sense of purpose, developing a sense of agency, and coping with day-to-day issues. At a service level, the programme aims to boost collaboration and integration across services, reducing the strain on reactive services.
• As Police and Crime Commissioner, I believe it is incredibly important to offer services that help those experiencing multiple disadvantage not only reduce offending behaviour but also break down the barriers and challenge the inequalities they face. Programmes like Bridge the Gap don’t just change individual lives – they help create safer, more supportive communities for everyone in Surrey.

Explore further data concerning Surrey Police progress against this priority.

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