1 April 2023

• Mountain Healthcare has been re-awarded a contract to deliver adult (16 years and older) Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services in Yorkshire and the Humber from the 1st of April 2023. 
• Survivor-centred, holistic care is at the heart of the contract co-commissioned by NHS England (North East and Yorkshire), the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. 
• This contract builds on Mountain Healthcare’s expertise in providing high-quality support services for anyone that has experienced sexual assault in their lifetime regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, and ethnic/cultural background. 

Mountain Healthcare has delivered trauma-informed SARC services across Yorkshire and the Humber since April 2016 for adults who have experienced sexual assault including rape. From the 1st of April 2023, Mountain Healthcare will continue delivering these services on a new four-year contract. The SARC locations include CASA Suite (Hull, Humberside), Bridgehouse (York, North Yorkshire), Hackenthorpe Lodge (Sheffield, South Yorkshire) and the Hazlehurst Centre (Leeds, West Yorkshire).

SARC services are available to the public for free, 24/7/365, and deliver support in relation to recent and non-recent incidents, comprehensive forensic medical examinations, forensic evidence storage, referrals for follow-up services which address health and emotional wellbeing, social and ongoing needs, and make direct referrals to other specialist services such as local Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs).

Adult service users have the option to self-refer directly to a SARC to receive care or they can be referred by individuals including police and agency professionals. Anyone can contact the SARCs for advice and to discuss the options available to them.

For immediate support or to make a referral telephone: 0330 233 0099

This contract builds on Mountain Healthcare’s existing reputation for providing safe, secure and confidential care in a timely manner that always puts patients first. Mountain Healthcare is the largest provider of SARC services in England. Click here to visit our SARC map and learn more about our service locations.

Natalie Brooks, SARC Regional Contracts Director, Mountain Healthcare said:

“Mountain Healthcare is pleased to continue working alongside our commissioners to increase accessibility to sexual health, counselling, substance misuse and mental health services to the people of Yorkshire and the Humber. We are committed to delivering successfully integrated pathways with other service providers in the area to ensure all SARC patients receive the best quality care.”

Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime in West Yorkshire, said:

“Ensuring those harmed by crime receive the very best support is absolutely crucial. This centre provides that expert care to victims, whether they choose to report the crime to the police or not, and I’m pleased to continue this service to support the people of West Yorkshire.”

Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller of West Yorkshire Police, said:

“West Yorkshire Police is pleased to continue working with Mountain Healthcare to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services in West Yorkshire. Working with partners is vital to provide the best possible service to anyone who has been a victim of crime and this service provides crucial support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault.

We understand how traumatic incidents like this can be and it’s not an easy decision to speak out about it. Sexual assaults have devastating impacts on not only those affected but also the wider society. West Yorkshire Police is committed to tackling this type of offending and we will continue to support facilities like SARCs.”

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, said:

“SARCs provide an essential service for the victims of these types of crime. The support and care for survivors of rape and sexual offences are absolutely vital to ensure their recovery and also to provide an opportunity to gather the best possible evidence to support a prosecution.

I’m pleased that Mountain Healthcare has been re-awarded the contract to deliver adult Sexual Assault Referral Centre services in Yorkshire and the Humber, which will ensure that victims and survivors can continue to access the best quality care and support immediately following a rape or sexual assault.”