A CENTRE in Bransford which supports victims of sexual assault is celebrating five years since it first opened its doors.
The Glade Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) celebrated its fifth anniversary last Thursday with a small gathering for staff.
Providing support to victims of rape and sexual assault, the centre was officially opened on November, 9 2012 by Lady Darnley, the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire and since then more than 1,000 people have accessed the services available.
SARC manager Lydia Johnson, said: “In the last five years we have supported more than 1,600 men, women and children, whether it be to access a forensic medical examination following an assault, or through referrals to counselling, sexual health or the help of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor.
“Over those years we have worked hard to provide an excellent service, giving much needed care to people who often don’t know where to turn following an assault.
“Since we opened our doors, anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted, whether it was recently or in the past, can get support 24 hours a day, seven days a week via our self-referral line.
“None of this work would be possible without the fantastic team of Crisis Workers that support clients who come to our site in Bransford and our site in Telford.
“Crisis Workers support a client from the moment they arrive for the medical examination to the minute they leave, and work hard to put that person at ease and support them through an incredibly difficult time.
“They are vital to the service we provide.”
Victims of rape or sexual assault can access the services of The Glade either through reporting to the police or by self-referring if they want time to think about their options.
To discuss support, call The Glade’s Freephone number on 0808 178 2058.
