A pioneering service supporting victims of violence in Hull is celebrating a series of award successes, alongside recognition for one of the NHS safeguarding leaders behind its development.
The Emergency Department Navigator programme at Hull Royal Infirmary has received national and regional recognition for its innovative approach to supporting people affected by violence.
The programme is in the running for the Innovation Award at the Hull & East Yorkshire Business Awards on 19 November, while the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership has also been shortlisted for Team of the Year.
The recognition follows previous success for the programme at the iESE Public Sector Transformation Awards.
Meanwhile, Karen Harrison, Deputy Head of Safeguarding at NHS Humber Health Partnership, has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Impact Award at the Women of Achievement Awards 2026 on 13 November for her role in establishing the service.
Developed with the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership, the service embeds specialist Navigators within emergency and safeguarding teams at Hull Royal Infirmary. They support people aged 11 to 35 following incidents including knife crime, domestic abuse and sexual assault.
The Navigators use the period following an incident as a “reachable moment”, building relationships with patients and connecting them with support covering mental health, housing, safeguarding, education and other needs.
Karen said: “It’s all quite surreal. I had no idea I had been nominated until I received an email.
“The Navigator service has become a real success, but it is a total team effort. I might have helped set it up, but they are the ones making it work.
“They build relationships with people at what can be an incredibly traumatic time and make sure they get the support they need, whether that is safeguarding, mental health, education or practical help.”
Since January 2025, the service has managed more than 700 violence-related presentations and directly supported more than 76 people, while also improving the collection of information used to understand and prevent violence across the region.
The latest recognition builds on the programme’s growing reputation as an example of how the NHS, policing and community organisations can work together to prevent violence and provide support beyond the hospital doors.