New Nationwide update for 42 branches across UK

Brits will soon find an update on the high street after Nationwide announced a major expansion of a key scheme following its takeover of Virgin Money.

The building society is rolling out dedicated Safe Spaces across 42 former Virgin Money branches, taking the total number of locations offering the service to 475 nationwide. The move means Nationwide now provides more Safe Spaces than any other financial services organisation in Britain, with the facilities available in branches where people experiencing domestic abuse can seek confidential help, contact specialist charities or simply find a place of safety away from an abuser.

The expansion comes as England plays in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with campaigners warning that incidents of domestic abuse can rise sharply around major football tournaments.

Research from Warwick Business School found alcohol-related domestic abuse reports increased by 47% on days when England won a World Cup or European Championship match.

Separate figures show police recorded 351 football-related domestic abuse incidents during Euro 2024, an 82% rise on the 193 reported during Euro 2021.

Nationwide said the latest rollout was part of its wider commitment to tackling both physical and financial abuse. The society’s enlarged branch network follows its acquisition of Virgin Money, creating the UK’s biggest branch network. Nationwide has pledged to keep all branches open until at least 2030.

The Safe Spaces scheme, operated nationally by domestic abuse charity Hestia, provides private areas within branches where visitors can access support services, make phone calls and obtain information about specialist organisations.

Of the 475 Safe Spaces now available through Nationwide and Virgin Money branches, 82 are located in towns where Nationwide operates the last remaining bank or building society branch.

Alongside the branch facilities, Nationwide has introduced measures designed to help victims of financial abuse, including an in-app feature that allows customers to block payment references from individuals sending threatening or coercive messages through bank transfers.

Mandy Beech, Nationwide’s director of retail services, said: “We urge anyone experiencing abuse to reach out – our in-branch Safe Spaces are here to support you.

“We know that a bank or building society might not be the most obvious or conventional place to turn in a moment of crisis, but through our charity partners and the tools we have built, there are real, practical things we can do to help people get the support they need.”

Sue Harper, deputy director for domestic abuse and sexual violence prevention at Hestia, said existing abusive behaviour often intensifies during major football tournaments.

She said: “While football does not cause abuse, we know that existing abusive behaviour often intensifies on match days. Heightened emotions and increased alcohol consumption can escalate harm, leaving victim-survivors dreading match days and feeling unsafe in their own homes.”

Nationwide is backing Hestia’s #SupportIsATeamSport campaign throughout the World Cup and is encouraging people to download the Bright Sky app, which provides confidential advice and details of local support services.

The app also allows users to locate their nearest Safe Space in a Nationwide or Virgin Money branch.

The building society said more than 600 branches have received domestic abuse awareness training to help staff recognise signs of abuse and direct people towards specialist support.