The move will take the total number of locations across Nationwide's UK-wide branch network to 475

Nationwide is expanding what customers can access in branches across the UK, with dozens more locations set to offer additional support services.

The building society has confirmed that 42 more branches will join the scheme, bringing the total number of participating locations to 475.

Nationwide is extending its domestic abuse Safe Spaces initiative to 42 Virgin Money branches, increasing access to support for people affected by physical and financial abuse.

The move will take the total number of Safe Spaces across Nationwide's branch network to 475, making it the largest provider of such facilities in the financial services sector.

Safe Spaces are private, confidential areas where people experiencing domestic abuse can access support, contact specialist charities and find a place of safety away from an abuser.

Hestia, the charity behind the national Safe Spaces programme, said Nationwide now provides more physical Safe Spaces than any other financial services organisation.

Of the 475 locations, 82 are in towns where Nationwide is the last remaining bank or building society branch.

The expansion comes as Nationwide reiterates its pledge to keep all of its branches open until at least 2030.

The announcement also coincides with England's opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Croatia this evening, with research highlighting a link between major football tournaments and rising levels of domestic abuse.

Data from Warwick Business School found that alcohol-related domestic abuse reports increased by 47 per cent on days when England won matches at World Cups or European Championships.

During Euro 2024, police forces logged 351 domestic abuse incidents connected to football, representing an 82 per cent rise compared to the 193 cases recorded during Euro 2021.

Research conducted by Warwick Business School found that alcohol-related domestic abuse reports increased by 47 per cent on days when England won matches at World Cups or European Championships.

The findings indicate that victory celebrations provide no protection for survivors of abuse.

Throughout the tournament, Nationwide is supporting Hestia's #SupportIsATeamSport campaign, which encourages the public to recognise warning signs of abuse and download the Bright Sky app for guidance and local support services.

The Bright Sky app enables users to locate their nearest Safe Space at Nationwide or Virgin Money branches while offering practical advice on supporting someone experiencing abuse safely.

Nationwide has partnered with Refuge, a leading domestic abuse charity, to provide specialist guidance and emergency assistance to those in need.

The building society also offers access to Shout, a free confidential mental health text service available around the clock by texting 85258.

For survivors of financial and economic abuse, which represents one of the most controlling forms of domestic violence, Nationwide has developed an in-app payment reference blocking feature.

This tool allows survivors to prevent threatening or coercive messages sent by abusers through bank transfer references from appearing on their accounts.

Mandy Beech, Director of Retail Services at Nationwide, 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 of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Prevention at Hestia, said: "While football does not cause abuse, we know that existing abusive behaviour often intensifies on match days."