On February 6, 2026, Durham Police & Crime Commissioner Joy Allen announced the reopening of The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Chester-le-Street, County Durham. The centre provides specialist medical care, forensic examinations and confidential support to people who have experienced sexual assault, helping them access services closer to home.
The centre has undergone a major refurbishment to comply with the statutory Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice (in force since 2 October 2023) and associated ISO standards. Because of these upgrades, many survivors should no longer have to travel long distances to cities such as Newcastle or Teesside for forensic medical examinations.
The revamped space includes upgraded forensic suites and trauma-informed interview and recovery rooms designed to be gentle and respectful for people using the service. These improvements were made to meet the Forensic Science Regulator’s standards, which set quality requirements for the collection and handling of forensic material used in criminal proceedings.
Commissioner Joy Allen said the reopening brings specialist services back to a local level and is a significant step in supporting survivors. The refurbishment was funded through a combination of investment from the PCC and national commissioning support; reporting on the reopening noted a combined investment of £101,667 from the Police and Crime Commissioner alongside additional funding from NHS England.
Staff at the centre — who work alongside Durham Constabulary and commissioned healthcare providers — offer immediate crisis support, forensic medical examinations and follow-up referrals, with the aim of creating a safe environment where recovery can begin. By restoring these specialist services in Chester-le-Street, local partners say they are reducing the additional stress that travel can place on survivors during a difficult time.
