Staff from Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership’s (HSCP) Archway Glasgow, West of Scotland Sexual Assault Service (SARCS) attended an afternoon reception held for delegates from SARCS across the UK, on 1 May at Buckingham Palace. 

Gaynor Steele, Nurse Team Lead and Dr Deb Wardle, Lead Consultant were at the reception, which was hosted by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of SARC services to thank those who support survivors of sexual assault and to mark the re-launch of Her Majesty’s Wash Bags project.

The national Wash Bags project – delivered in collaboration with Boots and In Kind Direct – was set up by Her Majesty to provide essential products to survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

Given to sexual assault victims after they’ve undergone a forensic examination, each wash bag contains personal care items donated by Boots, including shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, a comb, lip salve and a toothbrush. These washbags – which are supplied via SARCS – represent a small gesture of comfort during a highly distressing time for survivors, given that they’re unable to change clothes or wash prior to a forensic medical examination.

Gaynor Steele said: “The Wash Bag initiative is very much appreciated by the individuals who have attended our SARC for a forensic examination. Having access to their own products when showering after an examination or if unable to return home and temporarily staying elsewhere provides comfort. Additional challenges of homelessness, addiction, poor mental health and poverty can contribute to hygiene deprivation and amplify the dark times for those who have experienced sexual violence. The provision of products such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste and deodorant that allow the person some self-worth and dignity cannot be underestimated.” 

Sexual Assault Response Coordination Services (SARCS) are dedicated NHS services that offer healthcare and support after an assault. The SARCS Network works in partnership to support the delivery of coordinated, holistic, person-centred and trauma-informed healthcare and forensic medical services in Scotland, for people of any age who have experienced rape, sexual assault or child sexual abuse, including access to health and wellbeing support to aid recovery.

The Wash Bags initiative had to be paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, but dialogue between SARCS, the SARCS Network, Scottish Government’s SARCS Policy Unit and Buckingham Palace led to it being restarted.

In 2023, 4,330 washbags were delivered to 58 SARCS across the UK (including all 16 SARCS in Scotland), with deliveries taking place to each SARCS every six months to ensure a regular supply.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with a SARCS service lead commenting: “I can't put into words how grateful survivors are when given a set. Although a small thing, it’s made a huge impact on the care we deliver for survivors, so thank you again.”

To find out more about SARCS, please visit NHS Inform.