The Duchess of Cornwall visits Gloucestershire

The Duchess of Cornwall has carried out engagements across Gloucestershire.

The Duchess began the visit meeting staff and clients at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which is part of Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust.

The centre, which officially opened in April 2009, provides a safe place for survivors of sexual abuse to speak to specialist staff and make informed decisions.

Working across Gloucestershire, SARCs aim to work closely with local communities to raise awareness and reduce barriers to accessing SARC services.

The SARC is co-located with Hope House, a sexual health service centre. The SARC in Gloucester provides wash bags to clients who have undergone a forensic examination, providing them with some comfort at a difficult time. The scheme, which Boots UK launched in collaboration with SARC, was set up by Her Royal Highness after hearing the stories of rape and sexual abuse survivors during her frequent visits to centres.

Her Royal Highness then met Beanstalk volunteers and pupils at a primary school. The volunteers support children in their reading journey and encourage children to develop their literacy skills. Beanstalk is a national children’s reading charity that recruits, trains and places volunteers into educational settings to work with children aged 3-11. The Duchess is Patron of Beanstalk.

At Bream Community Library, The Duchess met members of the library’s Lego Club, which aims to encourage children to read through creative Lego activities.

Finally, The Duchess of Cornwall opened the South Western Ambulance Service 999 Control Hub in South Gloucestershire.

Her Royal Highness met staff involved in the managing of emergency calls, including call handlers, dispatchers and clinical staff.