Wiltshire’s only support centre closes for upgrade work
The works are part of a nationwide programme to upgrade all SARC facilities to meet the latest Forensic Service Requirement standards
Last updated 6th Jul 2026
Victims of sexual assault in Wiltshire face a long journey for support while the county’s only Sexual Assault Referral Centre is upgraded.
The Swindon & Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre serves the entire county and offers specialist support to those who have experienced rape or sexual assault.
The works are part of a nationwide programme to upgrade all SARC facilities to meet the latest Forensic Service Requirement standards.
Victims in Wiltshire are currently being offered appointments at the Gloucester SARC while the Swindon site is closed.
A spokesman for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said: “This is a temporary diversion of where appointments happen, not a reduction in service.
“The SARC Swindon site is being improved to meet Forensic Service Requirement standards, and the service will return there once the works are complete.
“This is a national programme required to meet the new forensic standards, and all SARC sites and services must be compliant and are at varying stages of the accreditation process.”
No reopening date has been set, but work is expected to take at least six months.
The service is open to adults of all genders and backgrounds and provides confidential, independent support, forensic examinations and help gathering evidence if the individual chooses to proceed.
Referrals can be made directly by calling the service or filling out an online form, and police officers may refer individuals as part of an ongoing investigation.
The spokesman said: “SARC services for Swindon and Wiltshire residents remain fully available.
“Every existing referral number and the round-the-clock advice line remain active and unchanged throughout the closure period.
“The Wiltshire team as far as possible is relocating to Gloucester as a unit.
“Clients will be supported by staff they already know.”
Under the mutual aid arrangements already in place between SARC facilities, victims can be seen at alternative sites if Gloucester is not suitable.
All transport is organised and funded by the service.
The centre is part-funded to the tune of £360,000 a year by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), which covers victim support services, and is operated by First Light, a specialist organisation.
NHS England contributes a further £240,000 to cover the £600,000 annual running cost of the service.
The temporary closure means victims in Swindon face an extra 60 to 80 mile round trip. Chippenham users face an extra 90 to 100 miles. In Salisbury victims face a journey of between 120 and 140 miles.
For users in the West of the county, an appointment at The Bridge SARC in Bristol would be more convenient by prior arrangement.