The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for County Durham and Darlington, Joy Allen, has announced the re-opening of The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Chester le Street.
The upgraded centre provides a confidential, safe space offering medical care, forensic services and emotional support for people affected by sexual violence. It is open to anyone and support is available whether or not they choose to report to the police.
The PCC remains steadfast in her commitment to ensuring every survivor of sexual violence can access safe, compassionate and specialist support at the moment they need it most.
The Meadows delivers trauma‑informed services including medical care, forensic examination and crisis support. Survivors are supported in a calm, non‑judgemental environment designed to protect their dignity, wellbeing and choice.
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said:
“Every survivor deserves to be heard, believed and supported. The re-opening of The Meadows SARC is a significant step in ensuring that victims of sexual violence across County Durham and Darlington have access to a safe, compassionate and specialist service whenever they need it. Survivors’ recovery, dignity and wellbeing must always be our highest priority.”
Sexual violence remains one of the most under‑reported and traumatising crimes. From October to December 2025, 607 rape and sexual offences were reported directly to the police. This is 11 more than the same period in 2024 (up 1.8%).
Survivors consistently tell services that what they need most is a calm, non‑judgemental environment where they feel believed and supported from the moment they walk through the door. The Meadows has been designed with these needs at its heart.
The creation of the new SARC has been made possible through an investment of £101,667 provided from PCC Joy Allen and funding from NHS England.
This funding has enabled the development of a modern, welcoming and fully equipped centre that brings together specialist staff and facilities under one roof.
Dave King, Head of Health and Justice at NHS North East and Yorkshire, said:
"The Meadows sexual assault referral centre provides an essential service for the Durham population. The reopening of this upgraded facility is an important part of our continued commitment to working closely with the region’s Police and Crime Commissioners, our partners and provider to ensure victims and survivors of sexual violence continue to receive the highest quality support services.
“We strongly encourage anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted to use a SARC, which provides wrap-around specialist care and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The adult services are accessible by self-referral and individuals do not have to report to the police to get help. These are tried-and-tested services which support men, women and children."
Ellie McIntyre, SARC Manager at The Meadows, said:
"The re-opening of the upgraded Durham SARC represents a significant step forward in strengthening sexual assault services across the North East. The improvements in our environment, processes and forensic facilities directly support enhanced access, clearer pathways and stronger outcomes for survivors.
“A 36% recent rise in forensic attendance reflects exceptional partnership working — particularly with police and local agencies — enabling more timely referrals, improved conversion to appointments and equitable access to care.
“This investment, alongside our ongoing work towards UKAS accreditation and our national training frameworks, ensures that Durham continues to deliver a consistently high quality, trauma informed service for all those who need it most."
Located in Chester-le-Street, The Meadows is accessible to people of all genders, backgrounds and ages 18+, also seeing 16-17 year olds with no vulnerabilities. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and survivors can access services without making a police report.
If you have been a victim of a rape or a sexual assault at any time in your life, The Meadows SARC can help. You can contact them at 0330 223 0099.
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