Swindon & Wiltshire SARC services continue during temporary relocation

People across Swindon and Wiltshire will continue to have full access to specialist support following rape or sexual assault while improvement works take place at the Swindon Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

Appointments are temporarily being delivered from alternative locations while the Swindon site undergoes upgrades to meet national Forensic Service Requirement (FSR) standards.

The improvements are part of a national programme to ensure SARCs across the country provide consistent, high-quality forensic services and environments for victim-survivors.

This is a temporary change to where appointments take place and does not affect the availability of services. All existing referral numbers and the 24-hour advice line remain unchanged and fully operational. 

During the improvement works, Gloucester SARC will be the default location for appointments. Wherever possible, members of the Swindon and Wiltshire team will relocate together, enabling clients to continue receiving support from staff they know and trust. 

For those who would prefer not to attend Gloucester, alternative arrangements can be made through mutual aid agreements with other regional SARCs including Bristol, Bournemouth and Devon & Cornwall. These arrangements help ensure victim-survivors can access support at a location that best meets their needs.

Travel to appointments will continue to be arranged and funded by the service, regardless of location. Clients will not incur any costs or be expected to organise their own transport.

Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "It is vital that anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault continues to receive the highest standard of care and support when they need it most.  

“While these improvement works are carried out, I want to reassure victims that services remain fully available and accessible, with travel arranged and funded where required.

 “This significant investment supports a main priority in my Police and Crime Plan by improving the experience of victims and ensuring they can access high quality, specialist support in a safe, modern and dignified environment.  
 
“Once complete, the upgraded centre will provide an enhanced setting for victims at some of the most difficult times in their lives, helping them receive the care and support they deserve." 

The Swindon site is expected to be closed for at least six months while the improvements are completed. Updates on reopening will be shared as soon as they become available.

The service, delivered by specialist provider First Light and funded jointly by the Police and Crime Commissioner and NHS England, provides confidential support for adults who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Alongside the accreditation process, significant investment is being made to improve facilities, including upgraded forensic equipment, enhanced environmental monitoring and improvements to the building and care environment.

Planned building improvements at the Swindon SARC are currently budgeted at £432,000, with a further £70,000 allocated for associated works, bringing the total investment to around £500,000. Once complete, the upgraded facility will meet the latest national standards while providing an enhanced environment for those accessing support.

Published Monday 6 July 2026